Israel To Again Allow Airdrops Of Aid Into Gaza As Humanitarian Situation Continues To Worsen

Israel will again allow Arab countries to conduct airdrops into Gaza as the humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to worsen and deaths as a result of starvation multiply.

Axios journalist Barak Ravid recalled that airdrops have not been conducted for months, with the last ones taking place last year amid a dire humanitarian situation.

"At the same time Israeli officials continue to claim there is no starvation in Gaza," Ravid added.

Dozens of people, including children, have died of severe malnutrition in Gaza over the past days, according to reports by numerous outlets.

In this context, four major media organizations issued a joint statement on Thursday that staffers in the territory are increasingly unable to feed themselves or their families, calling on Israel to allow adequate food supplies into the enclave.

The organizations in question are The Associated Press, Agence Franca-Presse (AFP), Reuters and the BBC. "For many months, these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. They are now facing the same dire circumstances as those they are covering," reads a passage of the statement.

Earlier this week over 100 charity and human rights groups said the current situation is pushing Gazans toward mass starvation. And there is no breakthrough in sight as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he was recalling the negotiating team from Qatar for consultation in Israel "in light of Hamas' response" to the latest ceasefire proposal.

"We appreciate the efforts of the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of White House envoy Steve Witkoff to achieve a breakthrough in the talks" Netanyahu's office said.

Ravid said the crisis began after Hamas demanded that Israel release more Palestinians in exchange for 10 live hostages. He added that the original proposal, which Israel had agreed to, proposed the release of fewer Palestinians. Senior Israeli officials told White House envoy Steve Witkoff that the demand was "unacceptable."

Witkoff, on his end, said the response from Hamas "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza."

"While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza."