TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel has announced that it will allow a very limited quantity of food into the Gaza Strip, claiming the move is intended to prevent famine in the region.
"Israel will permit the entry of a basic quantity of food for the population to prevent the emergence of a hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement on Sunday, as quoted by Anadolu.
The Israeli government also warned that famine could "endanger the continuation of Operation Gideon's Chariot," referring to the latest phase of its ground assault in northern and southern Gaza.
The decision follows "recommendations from the Israeli military and the operational need to enable an expanded intensive battle to defeat Hamas."
According to Israeli media outlet KAN, an unnamed Israeli official said the measure is temporary and expected to last about a week.
The limited aid access is being implemented while preparations are underway for the full setup of a new aid distribution center, primarily located in southern Gaza. This facility is reportedly overseen by the Israeli military and managed by an American contractor.
Israel and the United States are currently backing two proposed aid distribution plans. These developments come as Israel increasingly signals its intention to shift Gaza’s population southward by turning Rafah into a hub for humanitarian relief, drawing civilians away from northern areas.
Last Sunday, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu had informed members of the security cabinet about his decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The report noted that several ministers, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, opposed the move and demanded a formal vote, which Netanyahu reportedly denied.
This policy shift also contradicts Netanyahu’s previous claim that the release of U.S.-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander by Hamas last Monday was unconditional. Hamas, however, stated that the release was part of a "wider agreement" that included humanitarian aid deliveries.
On Thursday, Hamas warned that failure to implement the agreement with the U.S.—particularly regarding aid access and a ceasefire—would jeopardize any progress on prisoner exchange talks.
The group reiterated its commitment to easing the suffering of Palestinians, calling for an end to Israeli attacks and the reopening of border crossings to humanitarian assistance.
Hamas described Alexander's release as a "positive step" aligned with that goal.
"We expect, based on the understandings reached with the American side, and with the knowledge of the mediators, that humanitarian aid will begin entering the Gaza Strip immediately, a call will be made for a permanent ceasefire, and comprehensive negotiations will be held on all issues to achieve security and stability in the region, which is what we look forward to achieving," the group said in a statement.
Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are currently ongoing in Doha, Qatar, with the aim of halting the war and finalizing a prisoner exchange deal.
Meanwhile, famine conditions in Gaza remain dire. The crisis has been fueled by months of Israeli-imposed border closures and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Since March 2, Israel has shut all crossings into Gaza for food, medical supplies, and humanitarian relief. Government, human rights, and international organizations report that these actions have dramatically worsened the humanitarian emergency.
According to the World Bank, nearly 2.4 million people in Gaza are now entirely dependent on humanitarian aid.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its military operations in the region.
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