First aid trucks reach Gaza as global pressure intensifies

Aid trucks have entered Gaza for the first time in nearly three months, according to Israeli and United Nations officials. The move comes amid increasing international pressure on Israel over the humanitarian situation in the besieged territory.

Five trucks carrying baby formula and essential supplies crossed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border point, the Israeli military coordination body COGAT confirmed on Monday. An additional four UN trucks have been cleared and are expected to enter soon.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called the development "welcome" but stressed that given the chaotic conditions on the ground, some of the supplies may not reach those in need due to looting.

Israel is facing growing international criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with some allies urging increased aid access and expressing concern over the scale of recent military operations. In a joint statement, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada labeled the aid deliveries as “wholly inadequate” and warned they may impose sanctions if the situation does not improve. They called on Israel to halt its current military escalation in Gaza.

So far, Israel has not officially responded to the statement.

Israel has recently launched a new wave of military operations across Gaza, including fresh evacuations from the southern city of Khan Younis, already heavily damaged earlier in the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aid decision was influenced by direct messages from allies. “Our greatest friends told us they cannot support us if images of hunger continue to come out of Gaza,” he said in a video message. Netanyahu also repeated his intention for Israel to “take control of all of Gaza” and said the new aid shipments are part of a transitional system that will be expanded under U.S. supervision.

Under the proposed system, a U.S.-supported group will distribute aid through hubs secured by Israeli forces. The aim, Israel says, is to prevent Hamas from diverting the supplies. However, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have rejected the plan, saying it would not reach enough people and risks politicizing humanitarian assistance. They have declined to participate.

In a separate letter, foreign ministers from 20 countries, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, urged Israel to fully reopen access for humanitarian aid to be delivered by the UN and NGOs. The United States was not among the signatories.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. According to Israeli officials, Hamas is still holding 58 captives, with around a third believed to be alive.

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