Israel Says it Will allow ‘limited’ Food Into Gaza

Israel has announced it will allow “a limited amount of food” into Gaza to ensure “there is no ongoing famine” after a 10-week blockade of the territory.

A statement issued by the prime minister’s office said that the move was made at the suggestion of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and in light of the need to support its new military offensive against Hamas.

The announcement came hours after the Israeli military said it had begun “major ground operations” across Gaza.

Israel has been under intense pressure to lift its blockade, during which no food, fuel or medicine has been allowed to enter.

Aid agencies have warned of the risk of famine among Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, as videos and images emerge of emaciated children suffering from malnutrition.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called on Israel to allow “immediately, the resumption of aid to Gaza.”

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel would allow “a limited amount of food to be brought in for the residents” of Gaza to “ensure that there is no ongoing hunger crisis” and added that such a situation would jeopardize its new offensive, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariot.

Early on Sunday, the IDF launched attacks on areas including a hospital in northern Gaza.

Israel says it aims to free hostages held in Gaza and defeat Hamas.

The attacks hit the southern city of Khan Younis, as well as towns in northern Gaza, including Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp, rescuers said.

At least 67 people have been killed and 361 injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run health ministry said.