Following global criticism, Israel restarts aid drops to Gaza and opens humanitarian corridors as malnutrition deaths rise across the enclave.
Aid Airdrops Restart After International Pressure
Israel resumed airdrop aid missions over Gaza on Saturday night, days after over 100 international agencies accused it of contributing to mass starvation in the region. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that the drops included pallets of flour, sugar, and canned goods from global humanitarian organizations, marking a renewed effort to address the worsening hunger crisis.
Humanitarian Corridors and Pauses Announced
In addition to airdrops, Israeli authorities stated they would establish humanitarian corridors to allow safe passage for United Nations aid convoys. These corridors are designed to improve delivery routes in conflict zones, particularly in densely populated areas of northern Gaza. Temporary pauses in military operations are also planned to facilitate safer distribution of food and supplies.
Malnutrition Death Toll Surges
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 125 people—85 of them children—have died due to malnutrition in recent weeks. Aid agencies and medical professionals report severe shortages of food, formula, and medical supplies as crossings into Gaza remain tightly restricted. In one tragic case, six-month-old Zainab Abu Haleeb died from complications related to malnutrition after essential infant formula was unavailable.
Personal Loss Highlights Crisis
Zainab’s mother, Israa Abu Haleeb, described her daughter’s rapid decline during the conflict. “Just like my daughter died, many more will die,” she said, describing the emotional toll of raising a child in a war zone where food is scarce and healthcare is fragile. Her story has become emblematic of the suffering endured by thousands of families in Gaza.
Accusations of Aid Obstruction and Mismanagement
Humanitarian leaders, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have called the crisis “man-made mass starvation.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced Israel’s blockade as a “violation of international law.” In response, Israel argues that aid has been allowed into Gaza, blaming Hamas for mismanagement and accusing the United Nations of failing to distribute the supplies effectively.
Israel Denies Starvation, Blames UN
In a statement Saturday, the Israeli military rejected claims of widespread hunger. “There is no starvation in the Gaza Strip; this is a false campaign promoted by Hamas,” the IDF said, asserting that 700 aid trucks were stalled inside Gaza due to UN inaction. Israel maintains that it is committed to enabling humanitarian access but insists on controlling supplies to prevent them from reaching militants.
Global Humanitarian Response Intensifies
As starvation-related deaths continue to rise and criticism mounts, international organizations are renewing calls for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The UN and global relief agencies are urging all parties to prioritize the lives of civilians, particularly children, as the region teeters on the edge of a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
With aid now cautiously resuming, the spotlight remains on both Israeli policy and international organizations to ensure food and medical supplies reach those in desperate need. Whether the
