Israel to allow food into Gaza after two-month blockade

 Israel announced Sunday it will allow a limited amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade, days after global experts on food security warned of famine.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "starvation crisis" would jeopardize Israel's new military offensive in Gaza, and his Cabinet approved a decision to allow a "basic" amount of food into the territory of over 2 million people.

It was not immediately clear when aid would enter Gaza, or how. The Israeli military body in charge of overseeing aid did not comment. Israel has been trying to impose a new aid system, despite objections by aid workers. Netanyahu said Israel would work to ensure that aid does not reach fighters.

Trucks line up at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip after Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza. File/AP

Israel imposed the blockade starting March 2, cutting off all food, medicine and other supplies to Gaza, while pressing Hamas to accept new ceasefire terms. Israel resumed the war days later, shattering a two-month truce.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel said it launched "extensive" new ground operations in its new offensive - the largest since the ceasefire. Airstrikes killed at least 103 people, including dozens of children, hospitals and medics said. The bombardment also forced northern Gaza's main hospital to close as it reported direct strikes.

Associated Press

A boy scrapes leftovers from an empty pot after all the meals were distributed at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. AP