Gaza: In a significant development amid Gaza’s worsening humanitarian catastrophe, Israel has initiated airdrops of essential supplies into northern Gaza, while a convoy of Egyptian aid trucks began moving toward the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border crossing currently the only operational route for humanitarian entry. The dual approach comes as growing international pressure mounts over the critical lack of food, clean water, and medical aid available to civilians trapped in the war-torn enclave.
According to Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV, several aid trucks loaded with food items, fuel, and medical equipment departed from Egypt towards Gaza. The movement followed days of diplomatic coordination and was widely welcomed by aid agencies struggling to meet basic needs in Gaza, particularly after the prolonged closure of the Rafah crossing.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military confirmed that it had resumed airdrop operations in northern Gaza, targeting areas that have been cut off from road access due to ongoing conflict and infrastructure collapse. These air deliveries reportedly include flour, sugar, canned goods, and hygiene kits. The move was framed by Israeli authorities as part of a broader plan to improve humanitarian access, including daily "tactical pauses" and designated corridors for UN relief convoys.
Despite these developments, aid agencies caution that the situation remains dire. The United Nations estimates that over 13,000 children in Gaza are suffering from severe malnutrition, and more than 168,000 civilians have been displaced due to intensified fighting across the Strip. Several humanitarian organizations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council and Médecins Sans Frontières, report that their workers and warehouses are running out of supplies, with some staff reportedly starving.
Israel has pushed back against allegations of intentional aid obstruction, claiming that sufficient food is being allowed in and that distribution failures lie with international agencies. However, UN officials and aid workers on the ground contend that ongoing military activity, logistical hurdles, and arbitrary denials of access by Israeli authorities continue to block timely aid delivery.
Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire talks in Doha have stalled, and Israel continues its military operations deep into Gaza territory. Adding to the complexity, an international aid ship from Italy bound for Gaza was intercepted by Israeli naval forces earlier this week, raising questions about maritime access and the treatment of humanitarian efforts by international actors.
Israel has also activated a new power line to supply energy to a major desalination plant in Gaza, reportedly providing water to an estimated 900,000 residents. Yet, relief agencies argue that without sustained and unimpeded access to all parts of Gaza, such gestures will remain insufficient to meet the population’s escalating needs.
As the crisis deepens, humanitarian workers urge the international community to intensify efforts not only to provide emergency relief but also to pursue a durable ceasefire that would allow for the safe delivery of aid and the beginning of long-term recovery. For now, Gaza continues to grapple with war, displacement, and the risk of famine, even as limited aid begins to trickle through from both land and air.