The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) acknowledged recent reports of hunger in Gaza and announced plans to resume aid flights on Saturday as part of efforts to combat starvation through humanitarian initiatives.
The “AID Airdrop Operation,” as they described it, will occur in collaboration with international organizations and will be coordinated by Cogat (the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) and the Air Force. This mission involves dropping seven pallets of supplies, including flour, sugar, and canned goods, according to a statement released on Saturday.
Additionally, officials indicated that a humanitarian corridor will be established to facilitate safe passage, allowing the United Nations to operate effectively.
Israeli authorities noted that over 250 aid trucks have been unloaded for collection by the UN and other international bodies this week, with approximately 600 trucks already distributed across the Gaza Strip.
This announcement follows a statement from more than 100 charities and human rights organizations claiming that the Israeli government is effectively pushing Palestinians in Gaza toward starvation amid ongoing airstrikes that have resulted in numerous fatalities.
On Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised air-dropped aid and mentioned that teams are currently working to evacuate children in Gaza who require urgent medical attention. He emphasized that these children would be prioritized for specialized care in the UK.
In response, the IDF dismissed these claims as fabrications, asserting that they were being disseminated by opposing forces.
The IDF reiterated that there is no hunger in Gaza, labeling the reports as part of a disinformation campaign by Hamas. They stressed that the responsibility to provide food lies with the UN and international aid organizations and expressed expectations for improved aid distribution to prevent assistance from reaching Hamas.
In closing, they reaffirmed their commitment to continuing military operations in the area.
