Israel has allowed limited humanitarian aid into Gaza for the first time since it imposed a near-total blockade in March, enabling some bakeries to resume bread production and delivering baby food and medical supplies to the war-torn enclave.
But Palestinian officials say the amount is far from sufficient to meet dire needs after 11 weeks of severe shortages.
On Wednesday, 100 aid trucks were permitted to enter the territory, including 90 carrying essential goods, such as flour, according to Palestinian officials and aid agencies. The limited easing comes after intense international pressure on Israel to prevent a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. The UN has warned that one-quarter of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are now at risk of famine.
“Some bakeries will begin receiving flour to produce bread, and we expect the distribution of bread to begin later today,” said Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza, speaking to Reuters.
However, he cautioned that the volume of aid remains woefully inadequate: “During the ceasefire, 600 trucks used to enter every day, which means that the current quantity is a drop in the ocean—nothing.”
The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating the operation. Bread will be distributed by WFP staff to vulnerable families under a controlled delivery system, in contrast to earlier methods where subsidized bread was sold directly to the public by local bakeries.
“The idea is to try and reach the most needy families, those who are desperate, as it is just the start,” said Shawa.
Israel imposed the full blockade in March, citing concerns that Hamas was diverting aid for military use—an allegation Hamas denies. The blockade has exacerbated an already deteriorating humanitarian situation, with shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies affecting civilians across the enclave.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian update comes against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli military operations, which Palestinian medics say have killed at least 35 people in Gaza in recent days. Efforts by international organizations and regional mediators to broker a lasting ceasefire and restore aid flows continue, but progress has been slow.
While the resumption of aid deliveries marks a slight easing of restrictions, aid officials and local residents say much more is urgently needed to avert a wider humanitarian disaster.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
The U.S. military has repositioned aircraft and naval vessels from key Middle East installations to safeguard personnel and assets amid rising tensions with Iran, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
The United States has resumed processing student visa applications but now requires foreign applicants to disclose their social media profiles for scrutiny, as part of a broader national security directive.
North Korea launched over 10 rockets from near Pyongyang on Thursday, prompting fresh concerns in the region.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
The U.S. military has repositioned aircraft and naval vessels from key Middle East installations to safeguard personnel and assets amid rising tensions with Iran, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iran's foreign minister is expected in Istanbul on Saturday for a key Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) council meeting as regional tensions rise over Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Ukraine “will have to understand and accept” the post-war realities, as Moscow signals openness to a third round of peace negotiations with Kyiv.
More than 2 million Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to their homes since December, according to the UN refugee agency, which emphasized the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent renewed instability.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
As the massive pink-hulled container ship ONE Modern pulls into the Port of Hong Kong, its crew rushes to offload more than 700 containers within a tight 10-hour window.
Uzbekistan’s economic performance has remained strong, with robust growth, narrowing consolidated fiscal and current account deficits, and ample international reserves, stated the International Monetary Fund following to the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its Youth in Business programme in Türkiye, building on its success in 12 other countries. The initiative aims to mobilise up to €250 million in financing to support young entrepreneurs under 35.
North Korea on Thursday marked the first anniversary of its defence pact with Russia, praising the “absolute solidity” of the alliance and defending its military involvement in the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
The U.S. military has repositioned aircraft and naval vessels from key Middle East installations to safeguard personnel and assets amid rising tensions with Iran, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
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