Israel's Strategy to Boost Gaza Aid Amid Conflict

Israel is taking steps to allow a gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza through local merchants, according to COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid. This move is designed to increase aid volume to the region while decreasing reliance on aid collection by the United Nations and international organizations.

On Sunday, Hamas expressed its willingness to work with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza if Israel agrees to certain conditions. This statement followed a recently surfaced video showing an emaciated captive, which drew widespread criticism from Western powers.

In the current humanitarian crisis, Palestinian and U.N. officials assert that approximately 600 aid trucks are required per day to satisfy Gaza's needs, reaching pre-war levels permitted by Israel. The conflict, following a Hamas attack on October 7, has resulted in severe casualties on both sides, with significant loss of life reported among Palestinians and ongoing hostage situations in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)