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.
At least 10 people have died and several others were wounded after an Israeli airstrike on a neighbourhood outside a school sheltering displaced Pa...
The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on Tuesday (April 7) on a resolution to protect commercial shippi...
The four astronauts aboard Artemis II briefly lost contact with Earth while flying behind the Moon, then regained it during a dramatic lunar far-si...
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against p...
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has travelled to Hungary in a show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as the...
At least 10 people have died and several others were wounded after an Israeli airstrike on a neighbourhood outside a school sheltering displaced Palestinians on Monday (7 April), according to health officials.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on Tuesday (April 7) on a resolution to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but in significantly watered-down form after veto-wielding China opposed authorising force, diplomats said.
The four astronauts aboard Artemis II briefly lost contact with Earth while flying behind the Moon, then regained it during a dramatic lunar far-side flyby.
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned the country could be "taken out" if it did not meet his Tuesday night deadline to reach a deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's energy and transport infrastructure in a social media post containing expletives on Sunday (5 April), as he seperately gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has travelled to Hungary in a show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as the country prepares for what is expected to be a tightly fought parliamentary election.
As Hungary approaches a crucial vote, younger citizens who grew up under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are increasingly backing the opposition, with some saying they may leave if he secures another term.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to speed up their probe into politicians from his party who are under investigation for fraud. The EU has asked to investigate 11 conservative MPs who are currently protected by parliamentary immunity.
In a move highlighting growing friction between global trade and digital retail, China on Monday issued new guidance for its rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
North Korea's test of a solid-fuel rocket engine is intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) built with carbon fibre to extend range and allow for delivery of heavier and possibly multiple warheads, South Korean lawmakers said on Monday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment