Israel Allows Food Into Gaza Amid Ground Operations
Israel has announced it will ease its blockade and permit limited food supplies into Gaza, according to statements from the Prime Minister’s office. This decision comes as the military launched extensive ground operations in both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip. The move aims to prevent a severe hunger crisis among Gaza’s population.
The Israeli government faces growing international pressure over the blockade it imposed in March, which has severely restricted aid and heightened the risk of famine. Over the past week, Palestinian health officials report hundreds of deaths due to ongoing attacks, including at least 130 casualties overnight alone.
“At the recommendation of the Israel Defense Forces and to support intensified operations against Hamas, Israel will allow a basic amount of food to prevent a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip,” the Prime Minister’s office said. Meanwhile, a UN aid spokesperson confirmed that Israeli authorities have approached the agency to resume limited aid deliveries, although logistical challenges remain given current conditions on the ground.
Stalled Qatar Talks and Military Developments
Despite discussions in Qatar involving indirect talks between Israel and Hamas about a possible truce and hostage exchange, sources on both sides report no significant progress. Israeli officials say the talks included proposals to end the conflict in exchange for the exile of Hamas militants and the demilitarization of Gaza—terms that Hamas has previously rejected.
The Israeli military indicated it might reduce some operations to facilitate a deal. The military chief informed troops that the army would offer the necessary flexibility to help secure a hostage agreement.
Over the past week, Israel has conducted over 670 strikes targeting Hamas facilities throughout Gaza. These operations support a new ground campaign aimed at gaining operational control in parts of the enclave. The military claims to have killed dozens of Hamas fighters so far.
Human Toll and Aid Crisis in Gaza
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 464 Palestinians have died in the last week alone. A spokesperson described how entire families have been wiped off official records following overnight bombardments. The ongoing campaign has devastated Gaza, displacing almost all of its two million residents and causing tens of thousands of deaths, many of whom are civilians.
Since March, Israel has blocked medical, food, and fuel supplies to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. It has also approved plans that could lead to full control over Gaza and its aid distribution. International experts warn that famine is imminent if the blockade continues.
Hostage Crisis and Civilian Impact
A Hamas official stated that Israel’s stance remains unchanged, seeking hostage release without committing to end the war. Hamas continues to propose releasing all Israeli hostages in exchange for ending hostilities, withdrawing Israeli forces, lifting the blockade, and freeing Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli officials report no advancement in negotiations.
Israel’s main objective is to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities after the group’s October 7 attacks, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
Families of hostages express frustration with the government’s approach. A mother of one hostage said, “The Israeli government still insists on only partial deals. They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them.”
Medical Facilities Struggle Amid Conflict
One recent Israeli strike hit a tent camp sheltering displaced families in southern Gaza, killing women and children, injuring dozens, and setting tents on fire. Additionally, the Indonesian Hospital, a major medical facility in northern Gaza, has stopped functioning due to Israeli fire nearby.
Israeli forces say they are targeting terrorist infrastructure around the hospital area. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied reports of its leader’s death in recent airstrikes targeting tunnels beneath another hospital farther south.
Gaza’s healthcare system is overwhelmed, with many hospitals struggling to operate under the blockade. Fuel shortages have crippled ambulance services, with 75% unable to run and warnings that all may stop within days. A health ministry spokesperson emphasized the growing number of casualties, many of whom are children.
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