Israel announced Saturday it will resume airdrops of food to Gaza and establish humanitarian corridors for United Nations aid convoys.
The decision follows growing alarm over famine conditions threatening more than two million Palestinians trapped in the besieged enclave.
The move came shortly after the United Arab Emirates declared it would immediately restart airdrop operations, while Britain pledged to assist alongside Jordan.
Despite the promise of renewed aid, Palestinian civil defence reported over 50 Palestinians killed on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes and shootings, including some near food distribution sites.
A boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition also attempted to reach Gaza by sea, defying Israel’s longstanding naval blockade.
Israel said the airdrops would be coordinated with international aid agencies and its military, specifically the Civil Administration for Palestinian territories and the Air Force.
New humanitarian corridors will allow UN convoys to deliver food and medical supplies safely, Israel added, aiming to counter claims of deliberate starvation. However, aid agencies remain doubtful that airdrops can meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s starving population, urging Israel to permit more overland aid deliveries.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the airdrop plan, stating that the UK would work with partners like Jordan to deliver aid and evacuate sick children. An Israeli official confirmed to AFP that the UAE and Jordan would resume airdrops soon, signalling a coordinated international effort.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the situation as “critical and unprecedented,” pledging to act without delay. As Gaza teeters on the brink of famine, world powers scramble to deliver relief—through the skies and across long-contested borders.