Israel allows aid air dops to Gaza to resume

Israel Loosens Grip on Gaza, Agrees to Aid Airdrops Amidst Famine Fears

Thousands of Palestinians face growing hunger as conflict rages.

Israeli authorities announced Saturday they will allow the resumption of food airdrops to Gaza and designate humanitarian corridors for UN aid convoys. The move comes as a desperate attempt to alleviate a looming famine crisis in the besieged territory, where over 50 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings Saturday, some while waiting near aid distribution centers.

International Pressure Mounts:

The decision follows international pressure from nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Britain, who pledged to assist with aid deliveries. The UAE announced it would immediately resume airdrops, calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza "critical and unprecedented." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also vowed to work with Jordan on restarting airdrops and evacuating children needing medical assistance.

A Controversial Solution:

While Israel claims this will improve the humanitarian situation and disprove "false claims of deliberate starvation," humanitarian experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of airdrops. They argue that the method is expensive, inefficient, and could even endanger starving civilians. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini stated, “Airdrops will not reverse the deepening starvation…They are expensive, inefficient and can even kill starving civilians.”

Humanitarian organizations continue to demand that Israel allow more overland convoys for effective aid delivery.

Ongoing Conflict:

This announcement comes amidst a protracted conflict that began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The Israeli military campaign has since killed 59,733 Palestinians, largely civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

Naval Blockade Defied:

In a separate development, Israeli forces boarded a pro-Palestinian activist vessel attempting to reach Gaza from the sea, defying an ongoing naval blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, operating the Handala boat, had its live feed cut as Israeli soldiers moved in. This incident follows last month's interception of another vessel run by the same group, the Madleen.

The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaged in a deadly struggle amidst growing international pressure for a humanitarian solution.