Israel Allows Limited Aid into Gaza as UN Says Supplies Still Not Reaching Population

Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Gaza City, May 21. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

PARIS, May 21 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Israel permitted 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food, and medical supplies to enter the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the military said, amid mounting global pressure to ease the humanitarian crisis caused by an 11-week blockade. However, United Nations officials reported that the aid has yet to reach civilians in need.

The trucks were allowed through Kerem Shalom crossing, but logistical and security concerns have prevented the distribution of the supplies, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Antoine Renard, WFP’s country director, said none of the aid had reached Gaza’s markets, bakeries, or hospitals.

“None of this aid—that is a very limited number of trucks—has reached the Gaza population,” Renard stated. “Tens of thousands of tons are stalled at crossing points while nearly a quarter of the population remains at risk of famine.”

Israel resumed limited aid deliveries following criticism over the worsening humanitarian conditions and under a U.S.-backed plan to implement a new private distribution model. The United Nations, however, has declined to participate, citing concerns over impartiality and operational transparency.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was open to a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the return of hostages but would continue its military campaign to achieve “total control” of Gaza.

Palestinian health officials said at least 50 people were killed across the territory on Wednesday due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes and tank shelling. The Israeli military said it struck 115 targets, including tunnels and rocket launchers.

Despite initial signs of movement—flour trucks were seen in Deir Al-Balah and Rafah—local aid groups say most relief has yet to make it to Gaza’s civilian population. Nahid Shahaiber, a logistics operator, confirmed that 75 trucks carrying flour and other foodstuffs were inside southern Gaza, but distribution was slow and uneven.

Israel’s military maintains that the blockade was imposed in March after allegations that Hamas was diverting humanitarian supplies—a claim the group denies.

Efforts to halt the fighting remain stalled, as Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal and end to the war, while Israel insists on Hamas’ disarmament and leadership exile. Netanyahu said a recent airstrike likely killed Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader, reiterating his call for “complete demilitarization” as a condition for peace.

International criticism has intensified. The UK and Canada, traditionally cautious allies, have voiced concern, and even the United States has shown signs of frustration. Netanyahu denounced what he called a "disgrace" in countries sanctioning Israel rather than Hamas.

At home, the political divide is deepening. Former IDF deputy commander and left-wing opposition leader Yair Golan sparked outrage by warning Israel risked becoming a “pariah state” and stating, “a sane country doesn’t kill babies as a hobby.” Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert issued similar concerns in an interview with the BBC.

Polls conducted by Hebrew University this week show that 70% of Israelis support a ceasefire deal tied to the return of hostages. But cabinet hardliners are demanding continued military action until what they term “final victory”—including the defeat of Hamas and removal of all Palestinians from Gaza.

Netanyahu, who is trailing in polls and facing a corruption trial and a pending arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, has so far aligned with hardline factions in his government.

Israel’s war on Gaza began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and saw 251 hostages taken. According to health authorities in Gaza, more than 53,600 Palestinians have since been killed, with aid agencies reporting widespread malnutrition and infrastructure collapse across the coastal enclave.