Israel Announces Humanitarian Corridors into Gaza Amid Growing Crisis
Israel’s military has confirmed plans to open humanitarian corridors into Gaza, allowing essential aid convoys to enter following intense international pressure and warnings of severe food shortages.
Humanitarian Pause and Aid Deliveries
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a daily “local tactical pause” in military actions in Al Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City from 10:00 to 20:00 local time. This pause aims to enable aid deliveries from the UN and other international organizations, facilitating the supply of essential food and medicine to the affected population.
The corridors will remain open daily from 06:00 to 23:00 local time, significantly enhancing access for humanitarian aid workers.
Aid Drops and Ongoing Concerns
Recently, Israel conducted an airdrop of seven aid packages containing flour, sugar, and canned food, coordinated with international organizations. However, Palestinian authorities have yet to respond to these latest initiatives. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups continue to highlight the inadequacy and risks associated with aerial aid drops, citing past incidents where such operations led to injuries or fatalities.
Severe Humanitarian Conditions
The crisis has intensified in Gaza, home to two million residents. According to Hamas-run health authorities, at least 125 people, including 85 children, recently died from starvation. The WHO has termed this situation a “man-made mass starvation,” urging more substantial and immediate action.
International Reactions and Calls for Action
Philippe Lazzarini, chief of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), stated that aid supplies equivalent to “6,000 trucks” await entry into Gaza, calling on Israel to lift the blockade fully. He emphasized that air drops alone are insufficient and potentially dangerous, advocating for safer, ground-based routes instead.
Water and Power Restoration Efforts
In parallel, the IDF resumed power supply to a key desalination plant in Gaza, supporting approximately 900,000 residents. This partial easing follows severe restrictions imposed since early March.
