Israel Says It Will Allow Controlled Entry of Goods Today

Gaza-Israel-(Special Correspondent/Webdesk)-Israel announced on Tuesday that it will permit the gradual and regulated entry of goods into Gaza via local merchants, according to an Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid. This comes as international monitors report that famine is emerging in the enclave, affecting even the hostages held by Hamas.

Israel Approves Mechanism to Expand Humanitarian Aid to Gaza via Private Sector

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the Israeli cabinet has approved a new framework aimed at broadening the scope of humanitarian assistance allowed into Gaza. Under this initiative, private sector involvement will facilitate the entry of critical supplies.

Approved Supplies to Include Essential Items

According to COGAT, the authorized goods will include staple food items, baby formula, fruits and vegetables, and hygiene products. The objective is to scale up the amount of aid reaching the enclave, while reducing dependence on aid distribution managed by the U.N. and other international agencies.

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Challenges in Implementation Amid Widespread Destruction

Despite the new mechanism, there are uncertainties about how the aid operation will function effectively given the extensive devastation across Gaza. Palestinian and U.N. officials maintain that the strip requires about 600 aid trucks daily — the same volume that entered before the conflict began — to meet basic humanitarian needs.

Rising Global Alarm Over Starvation in Gaza

Shocking images of severely malnourished Palestinians, including children, have sparked international concern. A video released by Hamas recently, showing a visibly starved hostage, further intensified global condemnation and pressure on Israel to expand aid efforts.

Israel Responds to International Pressure with New Aid Measures

Responding to the growing outcry, Israel introduced several measures last week to increase humanitarian relief. These include daily pauses in military operations in certain areas, approval of airdrops, and designating secure routes for aid convoys.

Hamas Offers Aid Coordination for Hostages Under Conditions

Hamas expressed willingness to coordinate with the Red Cross to provide aid to hostages it holds, but only if Israel ensures the permanent opening of humanitarian corridors and halts airstrikes during aid distribution periods.

Controversy Over Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s Role

In May, Israel and the U.S. urged the U.N. to cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a body backed by both nations and operated by a U.S. logistics company led by a former CIA officer and armed American veterans. The U.N., however, declined, citing concerns over GHF’s impartiality and accusing the model of militarizing aid and enabling forced displacement.

Casualties Near GHF Distribution Sites Raise Further Concerns

Several Palestinians have reportedly been killed near areas where GHF was distributing limited aid. The U.N. estimates that since May, over 1,000 people have been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to obtain food — many near GHF’s distribution locations. GHF denies involvement in the deadliest incidents, claiming those occurred near other convoys.

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Background of the Ongoing Gaza Conflict

The ongoing war in Gaza erupted after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel launched a large-scale offensive that has reportedly killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.

Hostage Situation Remains Critical

Israeli authorities estimate that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, but only 20 are believed to be alive. Hamas has so far barred humanitarian organizations from accessing the hostages, leaving families in the dark regarding their loved ones’ conditions.