Israel has recently lifted its ban on food sales to Gaza from the country and the occupied West Bank amid heightened international scrutiny and disrupted aid efforts following its military forces' deadly assault on Rafah.
Israel Lifts Ban on Food Sales to Gaza
Reuters reported that the new permissions enable Gazan traders to purchase fresh produce, dairy products, and other food items from Israeli and Palestinian suppliers.
This development came in the wake of the Rafah offensive, which severely interrupted UN aid shipments into Gaza. Humanitarian agencies have raised alarms about a potential food crisis, urging Israel to alleviate the situation.
Ayed Abu Ramadan, head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, told Reuters that Israeli authorities contacted Gazan distributors purchasing goods from Israel and the West Bank, an Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, before the war and told them they were ready to coordinate the pick-up of goods.
Palestinian officials, traders, and residents said this marks the first time that commercial goods produced inside Israel or the West Bank will be allowed into Gaza since the war began in October last year.
COGAT, the Israeli military branch overseeing aid transfers, responded to queries about the resumed deliveries, telling Reuters that it aims to increase humanitarian aid and food availability for sale in Gaza.
Wassim Al-Jaabari, head of the West Bank food and industry union, told the outlet that under the arrangement, Israel's military must evaluate all suppliers and goods for approval.
Israel Attacks Rafah
The Israeli airstrikes on Rafah on May 7 has defied warnings from its ally, the United States, and aid organizations that it would increase civilian casualties and further disrupt efforts to deliver food to Gaza.
A CNN investigation reported that US-made bombs were used in the deadly attack this week, but senior White House officials did not comment on this matter.
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