Gaza City: Israel has allowed 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food, and medical supplies to enter the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military confirmed Wednesday. The development follows growing international condemnation and internal dissent over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding after an 11-week blockade.
While the Israeli military reported that 98 aid trucks had crossed into Gaza on Monday and Tuesday, UN officials stated that distribution bottlenecks meant none of the supplies had yet reached civilians in urgent need.
Antoine Renard, country director of the World Food Programme, said, “None of this aid – that is a very limited number of trucks – has reached the Gaza population.”
Despite the resumption of aid entry, local bakeries and soup kitchens reported no flour deliveries, while hospitals and markets remained without critical supplies. The blockade has driven many in Gaza into a daily struggle for survival, with food insecurity rapidly escalating.
“I’m here since eight in the morning, just to get one plate for six people while it is not enough for one person,” said Mahmoud al-Haw, a father of several children who often spends hours in line hoping for a bowl of lentil soup.
Thousands of tons of aid remain stalled at crossing points into Gaza, as logistical and security challenges continue to impede distribution. Renard warned that until supplies can move safely, roughly a quarter of Gaza’s population is at risk of famine.
Late Wednesday, some movement was observed, offering a glimmer of hope. Nahid Shahaiber, a logistics company owner, reported that 75 trucks of flour and over a dozen more with sugar and nutritional supplements had arrived in Rafah. Eyewitnesses also saw flour-laden trucks in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Israel has maintained that Hamas is diverting humanitarian supplies — an allegation the group denies. While aid has resumed in limited form under mounting pressure, the United Nations has distanced itself from the new U.S.-backed model involving private contractors and “secure hubs,” criticizing the plan’s lack of neutrality and impartiality.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was open to a temporary ceasefire to facilitate hostage returns but would continue its military campaign until full control over Gaza is achieved.
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As airstrikes and tank fire killed at least 50 people across Gaza on Wednesday, according to Palestinian health authorities, Israel’s military stated it targeted 115 locations, including rocket launchers and tunnels.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire remain at an impasse. Hamas continues to demand a permanent cessation of hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hamas disarmament and leadership exile.
Netanyahu said an Israeli strike had likely killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar and reiterated that complete demilitarization and exile of Hamas leaders were preconditions for ending the war.
The renewed offensive has drawn rebukes from longtime allies such as Britain and Canada. Even the United States, Israel’s most steadfast partner, has displayed visible frustration with Netanyahu’s hardline stance.
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In response to growing international criticism, Netanyahu said it was “a disgrace” that countries like Britain were imposing sanctions on Israel rather than targeting Hamas.
Domestically, discontent is growing over the war’s continuation while 58 hostages remain in captivity. Opposition figure Yair Golan sparked a political firestorm when he said, “A sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby,” warning that Israel was becoming a “pariah state among the nations.” Golan, a former military deputy commander and leader of the left-wing Democrats, personally helped rescue victims of the October 7 Hamas attack.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert echoed similar sentiments in an interview with the BBC. Netanyahu dismissed such criticism, stating he was “appalled” by Golan’s comments.
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A recent poll by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem revealed that 70% of Israelis support a ceasefire deal that includes the return of hostages. Yet, cabinet hardliners remain resolute, pushing for what they call “final victory” — a campaign involving both the dismantling of Hamas and the return of all hostages.
Netanyahu, currently facing a corruption trial at home and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, continues to align with far-right ministers advocating for the war’s continuation.
Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. Since then, over 53,600 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. Aid agencies report widespread severe malnutrition and near-total devastation across the enclave.
