Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday a partial lifting of the Gaza blockade to permit limited humanitarian aid, responding to mounting global pressure over catastrophic food shortages in the enclave. The decision comes as UN agencies warn that 93% of Gaza's population faces crisis-level food insecurity.
Netanyahu's office stated the move aims to allow 'basic' food supplies while preventing Hamas from controlling distribution. Though details remain unclear, Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported aid deliveries would begin immediately through existing international organizations. A U.S.-backed distribution mechanism remains pending.
The announcement followed military recommendations linking famine risks to operational challenges in Israel's ongoing 'Gideon's Chariots' offensive. Far-right coalition members Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich opposed the decision, threatening to collapse the government over resumed aid flows.
UN data reveals worsening conditions since Israel imposed the blockade on March 2, with malnutrition rates soaring among children and elderly residents. Humanitarian groups urge accelerated access to prevent mass starvation.
