Israel eases 11-week blockade, allows UN aid lorries into Gaza

After nearly three months of a tightly enforced blockade, Israel has allowed a small batch of humanitarian aid—five UN trucks carrying essentials, including baby food—into the Gaza Strip. The move comes amid rising international pressure and warnings of looming famine.

The decision, announced by the Israeli military liaison unit COGAT on May 18, follows sustained lobbying from U.S. senators who expressed alarm over worsening conditions for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the diplomatic push, stating in a video message that Israel could not afford the global fallout of a full-blown starvation crisis. However, he emphasized that the aid being permitted was strictly "minimal" and temporary.

Aid Amid Airstrikes and Escalation

The aid delivery comes as Israeli forces intensify their military operations across Gaza. At least 40 Palestinians were reportedly killed on Monday alone, including five people sheltering in a school in Nuseirat. The military said it had targeted a Hamas command center in the area.

In southern Gaza, residents were told to evacuate Khan Younis and its eastern suburbs ahead of what the military described as an “unprecedented attack.”

Israel resumed its military campaign in mid-March following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, saying the renewed assault aimed to force Hamas to release hostages. Since the offensive resumed, over 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed and 400,000 displaced.

The UN and aid organizations warn the blockade has led to acute shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. A recent UN-backed food security report warned that half a million people in Gaza face catastrophic hunger, while the Hamas-run health ministry has blamed at least 57 child deaths on malnutrition.

Aid Delivery Sparks Political Backlash

Netanyahu’s pivot on humanitarian aid has drawn sharp criticism from hardliners in his own government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced the move as “a grave mistake,” accusing the prime minister of undermining the military’s efforts and bolstering Hamas.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attempted to downplay the backlash, urging the public to focus on broader goals, including the controversial notion of relocating Palestinians from southern Gaza to “third countries.”

In defending the aid plan, Netanyahu claimed he had blocked UN and NGO deliveries due to Hamas looting and announced an alternative strategy. This would involve distribution hubs in Gaza run by a newly created U.S.-backed foundation under IDF protection. The UN, however, has refused to participate, calling the plan politically compromised and a threat to humanitarian neutrality.

Chef José Andrés, head of World Central Kitchen, dismissed claims that the new system could be operational within a week, saying such promises were “not true” and would “leave Palestinians hungry.”

UN Warns of Precedent and Humanitarian Risk

Humanitarian agencies have criticized Israel’s plan to reroute aid through southern military-controlled hubs. The UN argues that this not only undermines humanitarian principles but also risks excluding vulnerable populations and forcing further displacement.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed discussions with Israeli officials about resuming limited aid deliveries but voiced concern over the proposed framework.

Meanwhile, on the ground, ordinary Palestinians face dire conditions. Many families now survive on one meal a day, and community kitchens are closing due to lack of supplies. Charity groups say soaring food prices and dwindling ingredients are hampering their efforts to provide relief.

Military Offensive Intensifies Amid Stalled Talks

Despite international appeals for de-escalation, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s intention to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip. He insisted the military campaign is essential for defeating Hamas and securing the release of 58 remaining hostages.

Five IDF divisions are now involved in operations across Gaza, with a stated goal of fragmenting territory and isolating civilians for their “safety,” according to a military spokesperson.

Indirect negotiations in Qatar between Israel and Hamas continue, but no progress has been made on a ceasefire or hostage release deal.

The war began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led assault that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 53,000 people have been killed, including over 3,000 since the most recent offensive resumed.