• Israel to allow gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza, approved by the Israeli cabinet.
• Current humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with claims of rising starvation-related deaths.
• Authorities state that around 600 aid trucks daily are necessary to meet minimum needs.
• Only 674 trucks have entered Gaza since late July, significantly below required levels.
• International criticism grows regarding the effectiveness of Israel’s aid distribution scheme.

On August 5, Israel announced a new policy permitting the gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza through local merchants, as stated by the Israeli military agency COGAT. This strategy aims to enhance the humanitarian aid flow while reducing reliance on international organizations like the U.N., amidst alarming reports of famine conditions affecting the enclave’s population of approximately 2.4 million people, according to Reuters and AA.

While the announcement is aimed at mitigating the crisis, reports indicate that humanitarian conditions have not improved significantly, with only 674 aid trucks entering Gaza since July 27, which is merely 14% of the daily requirement, according to the Palestinian Government Media Office. The Health Ministry in Gaza has attributed at least 180 deaths, including children, to starvation and malnutrition since October 2023, highlighting a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing military operations, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

The Israeli military’s recent actions have been described as a "death trap" for civilians, many of whom face the threat of violence when seeking aid. Between May 27 and August 5, over 1,500 individuals have reportedly been killed while trying to access humanitarian assistance, according to reports from Gaza's Health Ministry. Furthermore, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned that famine conditions are currently underway in Gaza, which is confirmed by various humanitarian sources, including TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

The Israeli government has faced widespread international criticism due to its handling of the humanitarian crisis. Many assert that the policy changes do not adequately address the urgent needs of those in Gaza and that the restrictions significantly hinder the delivery of necessary aid. Reports estimate that the blockade has resulted in nearly 61,000 deaths since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, with various humanitarian agencies calling for increased and safer access to aid, according to Reuters and AA.