Israel Allows Limited Food into Gaza Amid New Offensive and Worsening Crisis
Israel has announced it will permit a “basic amount of food” into Gaza after a 10-week blockade. The move aims to prevent a full-scale famine, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday.
The statement added that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recommended the decision. It said the limited food access would allow military operations to intensify while preventing a humanitarian catastrophe.
The announcement followed reports of a major ground offensive across Gaza. The IDF began a new phase of its war against Hamas, calling the operation Gideon’s Chariot.
Israeli Strikes Hit Across Gaza
On Sunday, Israeli air and ground forces struck multiple areas, including Khan Younis, Beit Lahia, and the Jabalia refugee camp. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported at least 67 deaths and over 360 injuries in the past 24 hours.
One resident in Khan Younis told the BBC she had not slept all night due to constant bombing. She also reported severe shortages of flour, gas, and basic food items.
Overnight, Israeli forces targeted al-Mawasi, a designated “safe zone” for displaced civilians. The strike killed 22 people and injured over 100, Gaza’s civil defense said.
The IDF issued a broad evacuation order on Sunday evening. It warned that any area used to launch rockets would face “a powerful strike.” People were told to evacuate west to al-Mawasi — the same area hit just hours earlier.
Hospitals Under Fire
Gaza’s health ministry said three public hospitals in northern Gaza are now non-functional. The Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia faced tank shelling from Israeli forces on Sunday night.
Medical staff told the BBC that 55 people, including four doctors and eight nurses, remained inside the hospital. Many were patients unable to evacuate after the morning strike.
Later, IDF tanks reportedly withdrew from the hospital’s vicinity. The IDF said it was targeting Hamas infrastructure near the hospital.
Medics claimed no military targets were in or around the Indonesian Hospital. They added that no warning or evacuation order was issued.
Talks in Qatar Stall
While the violence escalated, negotiations between Israel and Hamas continued in Qatar. But both sides remain far apart.
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Israeli media reported that Netanyahu’s team was pursuing a deal that would lead to the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Gaza, and the exile of Hamas fighters.
However, a Hamas official told the BBC that Israel’s position lacked flexibility. Hamas offered to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
“Israel wants the hostages in two phases and a temporary pause,” the official said. “We reject partial or temporary arrangements.”
Healthcare System Near Collapse
Hospitals already struggling to function are now on the verge of total collapse. Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said it depends on the now-damaged Indonesian Hospital for oxygen and intensive care.
Al-Awda’s director, Mohammed Salha, said nearby bombings also damaged his facility, and staff were rushing to make repairs.
Earlier, Israeli strikes hit Khan Younis’ largest hospitals — the Nasser Medical Complex and the European Hospital. Israel claimed Hamas operated a command center beneath the European Hospital and carried out a “precise strike” against senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar, brother of Gaza’s former leader Yahya Sinwar.
Civilian Toll Continues to Rise
Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, after a two-month ceasefire collapsed. Since then, thousands have died, including many civilians.
Aid groups have raised alarms about mass hunger among Gaza’s 2.1 million people. Footage shows malnourished children with visible signs of starvation.
Though Israel says the war’s goals include defeating Hamas and freeing hostages, some argue the tactics are worsening the crisis. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that military escalation has led to harsher conditions for those still held captive.
“Testimonies from released hostages describe abuse, starvation, and tighter restraints following Israeli attacks,” the group said.
