**Israel Opens Humanitarian Corridors for Gaza Aid**
The Israeli military has announced that it is willing to allow the transport of humanitarian aid into Gaza via United Nations convoys. This move comes as international pressure mounts on Israel, with aid organizations warning of a potential humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
According to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday, the first airdrops of humanitarian aid consisted of seven pallets of flour, sugar, and canned foods provided by international organizations. This decision is seen as a positive step towards addressing the severe food shortages that have been plaguing Gaza in recent weeks.
The crisis has been exacerbated by Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries since March, with new measures put in place in May. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry announced on Saturday that over 125 people, including 85 children, have died from malnutrition since then. Aid organizations and some of Israel’s allies have accused the country of deliberately starving the population, a claim that Israel has vehemently denied.
**Aid Agencies Welcome Move, but Call for More**
While aid agencies have welcomed Israel’s decision to establish humanitarian corridors, they are still calling for unrestricted access to Gaza to deliver vital supplies. The UN and other international organizations have been pushing for a more comprehensive solution to the crisis, arguing that it is not just about delivering aid, but also about ensuring that it reaches those who need it most.
In its statement, the IDF maintained that responsibility for distributing food to the Gazan population lies with the UN and international aid organizations. However, aid agencies have pointed out that previous attempts to deliver aid through humanitarian corridors have often been hampered by delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
**Israel Blames Hamas for Suffering**
Israel has consistently claimed that Hamas is responsible for the suffering in Gaza, arguing that its policies are aimed at protecting civilians from the militant group’s actions. The country has also maintained that it has allowed sufficient food into Gaza throughout the war, but that much of it has been diverted by Hamas to fund its military activities.
The decision to resume power supply to a desalination facility in Gaza is seen as another attempt by Israel to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis. However, aid agencies have pointed out that this move only addresses part of the problem, and that more needs to be done to ensure that all Gazans have access to food, water, and other essential supplies.
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