Netanyahu approves immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza

Charity organizations delivered hot meals to Palestinians in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Monday. A photo by Anas Deeb/UPI captured the moment.

On Sunday night, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu approved the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed the decision, but the security cabinet did not vote on the matter.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated, citing the IDF recommendation, that Israel will provide a basic amount of food to prevent a famine crisis in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Israel aims to prevent Hamas from controlling the distribution of aid to ensure it does not reach terrorists.

International organizations, including the United Nations World Food Program, World Central Kitchen, and the United Arab Emirates, will offer assistance until a distribution mechanism starts operating on Saturday, according to senior Israeli officials.

Israel intensified its airstrikes to combat Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The IDF targeted sites, including the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in over 100 fatalities.

Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended on March 1, Israel halted the supply of food, water, and medicine to around 2.5 million people in Gaza. The United Nations warned of a high risk of famine, with 1 in 5 Gazans facing starvation.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to allow aid into the region, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced that the Israeli government would permit a new aid group to deliver over 300 million meals in the initial 90 days, along with hygiene kits and medical supplies. The cost is estimated at $1.30 per pre-packaged meal.

Food availability has decreased, and prices have surged since February, with the cost of wheat flour rising up to 3,000 percent in three months.