Israel Reopens Gaza Aid Routes After 11-Week Blockade; UN Says ‘It’s Not Enough’
After an 11-week humanitarian blockade, Israel has allowed five UN aid lorries carrying food—including baby formula—into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but UN officials stress the supplies are vastly insufficient to meet the escalating crisis affecting 2.1 million Palestinians.
The limited reopening, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, came after mounting pressure from allies in the US Senate, who warned of international backlash if images of starvation emerged from Gaza.
“We must not reach famine—not practically or diplomatically,” Netanyahu said in a video, defending his decision to allow “minimal” aid.
⚠️ Humanitarian Emergency Deepens
Despite this temporary measure, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned the aid was merely “a drop in the ocean” compared to the immense need in the region. The UN has over 8,900 trucks loaded with aid ready to enter but blocked due to Israeli restrictions and the ongoing military campaign.
The blockade, in place since March 2, had halted all humanitarian and commercial supplies, worsening the conditions in Gaza where the UN-backed IPC warns of imminent famine, and 57 children have reportedly died from malnutrition in recent weeks.
💣 Military Escalation & Displacement
Meanwhile, the Israeli military resumed an expanded ground offensive, reportedly killing at least 3,000 people since operations resumed, and displacing over 400,000 civilians. On Monday alone, 40 people were reported dead, including five inside a school-turned-shelter in Nuseirat.
The IDF has ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, warning of an “unprecedented attack,” while Netanyahu vowed to take full control of Gaza as part of efforts to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages still held in the enclave.
🗨️ Global Backlash & Distribution Dispute
The UN and aid agencies have rejected Israel’s alternative plan to distribute food through military-protected hubs run by the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, citing violations of humanitarian principles like neutrality and independence.
World leaders including Keir Starmer (UK), Emmanuel Macron (France), and Mark Carney (Canada) condemned the aid allowance as “wholly inadequate” and threatened “concrete actions” if restrictions aren’t fully lifted.
Humanitarian chef José Andrés also criticized the plan, saying it would take weeks to implement, leaving Palestinians hungry while a working distribution system already exists.
🧒 Voices from the Ground
Displaced Gazans like Abd al-Fatah Hussein and aid workers like Mohammed Abu Rijleh described dire conditions, where families survive on one meal a day and ingredients for aid kitchens are scarce and overpriced.
“Getting access to food, medicine and hygiene products has become almost impossible,” Hussein told the BBC.
📊 Death Toll & War Update
Since the start of Israel’s offensive in October 2023—following Hamas’s deadly cross-border attack that killed 1,200 and led to 251 hostages—over 53,475 Gazans have died, including 3,340 since hostilities resumed.
With hostage negotiations stalling in Qatar and Israeli forces pushing deeper into Gaza, Netanyahu declared the only acceptable outcome is total victory over Hamas.
“The only thing that can stop us is the return of our hostages,” said IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.
