Israel will ease its blockade and allow limited amounts of food to enter the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. The decision comes amid growing international pressure caused by the humanitarian crisis in the region and the risk of famine due to the blockade imposed in March, News.bg reports.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Israel will allow the import of basic food products to prevent a food disaster. According to the United Nations, Tel Aviv has resumed contacts with international institutions regarding the renewal of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
Israel's decision was announced after reports that there was no progress in the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, held in Qatar. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that the discussions covered topics such as a ceasefire, a deal to release hostages and a proposal to end the conflict in exchange for the expulsion of Hamas fighters and the demilitarization of Gaza - conditions that the group has already rejected.
The Israeli army has also demonstrated its readiness to support diplomatic efforts. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military was prepared to limit its operations to facilitate a deal on the hostages.
Israel's operation in Gaza has so far resulted in widespread destruction, the displacement of almost the entire population, and the deaths of over 53,000 people, a significant number of them civilians.