Israel Eases Blockade, Will Permit “Basic Quantity” of Food Into Gaza
TEL AVIV, May 19 — The Israeli government announced it will permit a limited amount of food to enter the Gaza Strip for the first time in nearly three months, following growing international concern over widespread hunger and warnings of potential famine.
The shift comes as Israeli forces continue a new ground offensive in Gaza, supported by artillery and airstrikes. Palestinian health authorities report over 100 fatalities, including many women and children, since the latest operations began on Sunday.
Renewed Military Campaign and Ceasefire Talks Proceed in Parallel
Despite escalating military activity, Israeli and Hamas representatives confirmed ongoing ceasefire discussions, marking the most serious peace negotiations in months.
Israel says it has struck hundreds of Hamas targets and killed dozens of fighters in recent days. Military officials have indicated the offensive will expand gradually to intensify pressure on the group.
Residents in northern Gaza described heavy bombardment and leaflets urging civilians to evacuate. “The bombing is very, very violent,” said Wael Al-Kilani, a Palestinian civilian fleeing the area.
Netanyahu Cites U.S. Pressure Behind Policy Shift
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a video message that Israel would temporarily allow aid into Gaza to avoid humanitarian catastrophe. He cited conversations with unnamed U.S. senators who warned that continued military and diplomatic support could be at risk if mass starvation occurred.
“We are going to take control of the entire Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu said. “We need to do it in a way that they won’t stop us.”
U.N. Confirms Discussions to Resume Limited Aid
A U.N. spokesperson said Israeli authorities have approached the organization to resume “limited aid delivery,” and talks are underway to determine logistics. The announcement follows a warning from a U.N.-backed hunger panel that Gaza is at risk of famine without immediate food access.
Israel’s current plan would allow minimal shipments of food and medicine, with strict distribution oversight aimed at preventing Hamas from accessing the supplies.
U.S.-Led Initiative to Launch Independent Aid Distribution
A new American-led aid organization, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is preparing to begin food deliveries in southern and central Gaza by May 24, with expansion planned in the north. The group is led by U.S. military veteran Jake Wood, who said the initiative will follow humanitarian principles and operate independently of armed actors.
However, major international relief groups, including the United Nations and its partners, have rejected the plan, stating they will not participate in an aid model tied to Israeli military operations. They argue it risks politicizing and militarizing humanitarian relief.
Gaza Residents Required to Relocate for Aid Access
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that access to aid under the proposed system would be restricted to a southern humanitarian zone, secured and monitored by Israeli forces. He added that the aid entering Gaza now constitutes only the “bare minimum.”
Smotrich emphasized that the intent is to deny Hamas fighters access to any humanitarian supplies by requiring Gaza’s population to relocate within military-designated areas.
