• Israel will permit a limited amount of food into Gaza after a prolonged blockade.
• The decision aims to prevent a "hunger crisis" as conflicts escalate.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu states he is under pressure to act amidst international concerns.
• Blockade imposed since early March has led to severe shortages of essential supplies.
• Indirect talks continue between Israel and Hamas regarding hostages and ceasefire.

Israel will allow a "basic amount" of food into Gaza as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. This decision comes after facing mounting international pressure to lift a blockade in place for over two months, which was implemented starting March 2. The goal is to avoid a “hunger crisis” amidst ongoing military operations, according to statements made by Netanyahu and reports on humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly focusing on food shortages and civilian distress, as highlighted by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

In detailing the aid initiative, Netanyahu emphasized that humanitarian supplies would be delivered to ensure aid does not fall into the hands of Hamas militants. This measure was recommended by the Israeli Army, reflecting a strategy to mitigate the human ramifications while pursuing military objectives in Gaza. The Israeli government continues its military operations, which began shortly before the announcement, as reported by Reuters and reiterated by South China Morning Post.

As military actions escalate, reports indicate dire humanitarian conditions, with hospitals overburdened and critical supplies running low. UN agencies have expressed alarm at the potential for famine, underlining the urgency of resuming humanitarian operations in Gaza. Israeli officials have stated that measures will be implemented to restrict aid distribution to ensure it does not support Hamas operations, according to statements from South China Morning Post and India Times.

In parallel, indirect negotiations are ongoing specifically addressing the release of hostages held by Hamas as part of the broader conflict resolution efforts. The Israeli military's actions have been accompanied by reports of significant casualties and displacements among the Palestinian population, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of the military strategy, as noted by multiple sources including Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.