On Sunday, more than 100 truckloads of food crossed into Gaza, according to UN aid chief Tom Fletcher. The trucks, originating from Egypt and Jordan, are part of an expanded delivery effort facilitated by the Israeli military under new “tactical pause” corridors in three Gaza regions. However, these areas have seen limited combat and may not reflect sustained access across the territory.

The Israeli government also resumed electricity to a coastal water treatment plant for the first time since March, enabling fresh water production to reach 18,000 cubic meters daily. Despite these improvements, the UN estimates 62,000 metric tons of monthly food—about 120 trucks a day—are needed to meet minimum requirements.

Reports from aid workers and residents paint a picture of chaos at distribution sites. Airdropped packages triggered stampedes, and some overland convoys were looted. “People are starving, and it’s extremely difficult to maintain discipline under such conditions,” said Alaa Eldine al-Aklouk of the Palestinian Tribal and Clans Council.

Netanyahu Faces Criticism From Allies And Within Cabinet

The Israeli reversal follows heavy international and domestic criticism. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported six new deaths from malnutrition Sunday, bringing the total to 133, including 87 children. The World Health Organization warned that actual numbers are likely higher due to limited medical access and underreporting.

In the U.S., 21 Democratic senators called for halting support to the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), criticizing it as ineffective and dangerous. Senator Chris Van Hollen accused Israeli and Trump administration officials of weaponizing food, calling the GHF “a death trap.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the decision as a humanitarian necessity, saying minimal aid would continue. But National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir denounced the aid policy shift, claiming it rewarded Hamas and undermined military goals. Political analysts noted the change occurred quietly after parliament entered recess, shielding Netanyahu from immediate backlash.

UN officials are cautiously optimistic but remain concerned about the duration and consistency of aid access. “There is an opportunity to save lives,” said UN humanitarian coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov, “but implementation will determine whether this is a turning point or a brief reprieve.”