The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Saturday the resumption of airdropping supplies into the Gaza Strip. In a statement posted on “X” the IDF confirmed the delivery of seven pallets containing flour, sugar and canned goods.
Alongside the airdrop initiative, the IDF stated it will be coordinating efforts to facilitate the safe movement of United Nations convoys carrying food and medicine. The military also indicated the potential for implementing “humanitarian pauses” in populated areas to ease the delivery of assistance.
Furthermore, the IDF reported the restoration of a power line connecting Israel to a desalination plant within the Gaza Strip, increasing daily water production to 20,000 cubic meters.
The IDF maintains that a famine does not exist within Gaza, attributing reports to the contrary as a “misleading campaign by Hamas”. The military emphasizes the responsibility for food distribution lies with the United Nations and international aid organizations and calls for these entities to enhance the effectiveness of aid delivery, ensuring it does not reach Hamas.
International aid organizations have long expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting significant challenges in delivering essential supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) recently reported that one in five children in Gaza is suffering from malnutrition. A representative from the UN World Food Programme previously characterized the situation in Gaza as “hell on earth.
Despite these concerns, the IDF reinforced its commitment to ongoing military operations. A statement on “X” indicated that combat operations have not ceased and that the IDF will continue to operate within Gaza to secure the release of hostages and defeat Hamas, both above and below ground.