The Israeli military announced a series of measures on Saturday to improve the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, including the resumption of aerial airdrops and the establishment of humanitarian pauses. These steps aim to address concerns about aid delivery and refute claims of deliberate starvation, according to an IDF statement. The announcement comes as international pressure mounts and reports indicate potential issues with aid distribution within Gaza. The IDF stated that aerial airdrops of aid, including flour, sugar, and canned food, will resume and that designated humanitarian corridors will be established to facilitate the safe movement of UN convoys. The military also indicated that humanitarian pauses may be implemented in populated areas. Additionally, a power line from Israel to a Gaza desalination plant has been reconnected, increasing daily water output. The IDF emphasized that there is no starvation in Gaza and that claims otherwise are a false campaign by Hamas, placing responsibility for distribution on the UN and international aid organizations. Separately, the "Handala" activist boat, attempting to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli Navy forces off the coast of the Strip. The boat, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, had altered course south towards Egypt after reports of Israeli vessels and a drone approaching. Organizers stated the boat did not intend to enter Egyptian waters but would sail parallel to the coast, seeking Egyptian Coast Guard assistance if threats escalated. Amid these developments, reports emerged of injuries among displaced persons in western Gaza due to aid falling from the sky, with Al-Hadath correspondent noting at least seven aid loads were dropped. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported 11 wounded from aid falling directly on them. Protests against the Egyptian government's inaction regarding the Rafah crossing closure were noted, with activists in Finland condemning the situation. In diplomatic efforts, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in Gaza and a two-state solution with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stressing the need for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. Macron also evaluated bilateral cooperation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, highlighting the unacceptable humanitarian situation in Gaza and the risks of famine and forced displacement due to aid obstruction and Israeli intervention. Meanwhile, GHF (Global Humanitarian Foundation) Spokesperson responded to allegations made by a former contractor, stating that an investigation based on video footage and witness statements found the claims to be materially false. The spokesperson noted the former contractor's termination for misconduct and alleged attempts to falsify documents and mislead media. Explosions were reported in Khan Younis as the Israeli army carried out operations to blow up residential buildings. The IDF also reported three dead and several wounded from an explosive device targeting an Israeli military force in Gaza. The United Arab Emirates announced it would immediately resume humanitarian aid parachutes to Gaza, citing the severe and unprecedented humanitarian situation. Aid trucks have reportedly begun moving in Egypt towards the crossings in preparation for entering Gaza in the morning. In the Kurdistan Region, major aid donation campaigns have raised millions of dollars for the people of Gaza, though getting the aid into the Strip remains challenging and expensive. Reports also indicated that Netanyahu rejected ministers Ben Gvir and Zamrich from a decision on assistance, with a senior official stating they were not invited to avoid starting the Sabbath.
