World News: 

Middle East: Israel Begins Airdrops of Aid into Gaza During Pause in Fighting

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Israel began airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza during a ten-hour pause in fighting to allow the United Nations to bring in aid that had long been stalled. A pause in military activity allowed the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) to increase the scope of humanitarian aid. This effort was coordinated between the IDF and the United Nations and the IDF will continue its humanitarian efforts while defending itself against Hamas.

Israel had originally maintained that there was no starvation in Gaza and that Hamas had been hoarding aid, while the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was able to deliver aid. This viewpoint was revised when it became apparent that Israel might have to stop fighting if starvation did occur. The GHF cannot operate fully in Gaza, as parts of the area are still controlled by Hamas terrorists.