Israel transfers 93 UN aid trucks to Gaza

Israel’s government on Tuesday facilitated the transfer of 93 United Nations humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).

The trucks contained essential items including flour, baby food, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. “All aid was transferred only after a thorough security inspection,” COGAT stated.

The IDF said it would “continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip while making every effort to ensure that the aid does not reach the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization.”

The shipments are part of a renewed aid policy aimed at preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza while maintaining pressure on Hamas. Israel recently resumed limited deliveries following a months-long suspension amid concerns over terrorist diversion of supplies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the move to avert starvation and stabilize civilian areas ahead of expanded military operations in the Strip.

A U.S.-led initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), is expected to begin operations by month’s end to handle aid distribution. The plan, fully supported by Israel, is designed to ensure aid reaches civilians through secure distribution centers in safe zones, bypassing Hamas.

“Until it’s fully active, Israel is bridging the gap with daily deliveries of essentials,” the official State of Israel X account posted on Tuesday.

The United Nations confirmed it had received Israeli approval for roughly 100 additional aid trucks to enter Gaza, up from nine the previous day. U.N. spokesperson Jens Laerke said the new approvals marked a “significant increase” in humanitarian access.

Right-wing Israeli lawmakers remain critical of the policy, despite the strict oversight. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the resumption of aid deliveries “a serious mistake” and warned they could prolong the war and hinder hostage recovery efforts.

Religious Zionism Knesset member Moshe Solomon told JNS the policy should be narrowly targeted. “Aid that comes directly to residents who are not involved in terrorism—we allow it to be introduced in a measured and selective manner,” he said.

Likud MK Moshe Passal voiced sharper criticism, saying, “We must evacuate the population from Gaza, eliminate Hamas without mercy, and only then will it be possible to talk about the reconstruction of the region.”