Gaza Strip – Humanitarian aid trucks began moving from Egypt into Gaza on Sunday, following months of mounting international pressure and dire warnings from aid agencies about a growing famine in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The development coincides with Israel’s announcement that it had initiated airdrops of essential supplies into the enclave on Saturday. According to the Israeli military, efforts to mitigate the worsening humanitarian crisis include establishing “humanitarian corridors” and implementing “humanitarian pauses” in densely populated areas to allow safer movement of UN convoys.

Al Qahera News, a state-affiliated Egyptian broadcaster, reported that dozens of aid trucks carrying tons of food and supplies were heading toward the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza. The report was filed from the Rafah border crossing, a vital access point between Egypt and Gaza.

Airdrops and International Coordination
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the initial airdrops, coordinated with international aid organizations, delivered seven pallets containing flour, sugar, and canned goods. Palestinian sources confirmed that some of these airdrops had already reached parts of northern Gaza.

Despite the humanitarian measures, the IDF emphasized that military operations would continue. “There is no starvation in Gaza; this is a false narrative promoted by Hamas,” the military said in a statement. “The responsibility for aid distribution lies with the UN and international agencies, which must ensure that aid does not reach Hamas operatives.”

Ceasefire Talks Collapse, Aid Ship Intercepted
The escalation in humanitarian aid came shortly after indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended without agreement.

Meanwhile, an aid ship carrying international activists that departed from Italy was intercepted by Israeli naval forces before reaching Gaza. According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the vessel had attempted to illegally enter Gaza’s maritime zone and was redirected to an Israeli port. All passengers were reported to be safe.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The UN and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that mass starvation is rapidly spreading across Gaza, where an estimated 2.2 million people remain in desperate need of food and clean water.

Since March, Israel had cut off food supplies to Gaza before partially resuming deliveries in May under stricter conditions. While Israel claims it has allowed sufficient aid into the territory, the UN asserts that Israeli-imposed restrictions continue to severely hamper distribution efforts.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 127 people, including 85 children, have died from malnutrition since the conflict began in October 2023. More than 100 aid organizations have issued joint appeals for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access.

In an effort to ease the water crisis, the Israeli military also announced the connection of a power line to a desalination plant expected to serve around 900,000 Gazans daily.

Background
The latest wave of conflict erupted after Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israeli border towns on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say has resulted in nearly 60,000 deaths and left much of the enclave in ruins.

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