Israel Allows Limited Humanitarian Aid into Gaza Amid Warnings of Famine

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a decision to allow a "basic" amount of food into the Gaza Strip, home to over two million people, after a nearly three-month blockade. The decision comes days after experts on food security warned of famine. Netanyahu stated that a "starvation crisis" would jeopardize Israel's new military offensive in Gaza, and his cabinet approved the decision to allow aid, despite opposition from aid workers. Israel has been trying to impose a new aid system, which would ensure that aid does not reach militants.

Key Takeaways:

• Israel has been imposing a blockade on Gaza since March 2, cutting off all food, medicine, and other supplies, affecting over two million people.
• The blockade has been in place for nearly three months, despite warnings from experts on food security about the risk of famine.
• Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a "starvation crisis" would jeopardize Israel's new military offensive in Gaza, which aims to weaken Hamas.
• Netanyahu's cabinet approved the decision to allow a "basic" amount of food into Gaza, but it is unclear when aid will enter the territory and how it will be distributed.
• Israel has been trying to impose a new aid system, which would ensure that aid does not reach militants, despite objections from aid workers.
• The Israeli military has launched "extensive" new ground operations in Gaza, which have killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, hospitals and medics said.
• Airstrikes have also forced northern Gaza's main hospital to close, and the bombardment has reported direct strikes on hospitals, medics, and civilians.

Statistics:

• Over two million people in Gaza are affected by the blockade.
• The blockade has been in place for nearly three months, since March 2.
• Israel has launched "extensive" new ground operations in Gaza, killing at least 103 people, including dozens of children.
• Airstrikes have killed more than 48 people, including 18 children, in and around the southern city of Khan Younis.
• Israel's military has struck over 670 targets in the past week, including dozens of militants.

Sources:

• The Associated Press, Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza after nearly three-month blockade, March 13, 2023.
• Nasser Hospital, Gaza health services report, March 13, 2023.
• Gaza Health Ministry's emergency services, report on airstrikes in northern Gaza, March 13, 2023.
• Israel's military statement, announcing the launch of new ground operations in Gaza, March 13, 2023.