Food Airdrops Commence in Gaza as Israel Expands Aid Routes

 Israel initiated a humanitarian response on July 27, 2025, by airdropping 200 tons of food and medical supplies into Gaza while extending its 72-hour military pause, announced earlier that day by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). 

The airdrops, conducted with support from Jordanian and French aircraft, targeted northern Gaza, where 1.1 million residents face acute food insecurity, a 22% increase from June, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Simultaneously, Israel opened additional land routes through Rafah and Kerem Shalom, allowing 200 aid trucks daily, up from 100, to address a crisis that saw 30 starvation-related deaths in July.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that the airdrops included high-energy biscuits and medical kits, though logistical challenges limit distribution to 30% of the need. Hamas has rejected the temporary pause, demanding a permanent ceasefire, while the IDF justifies the measure as a security-balanced approach, noting 15 soldier casualties this month. 

Critics from Human Rights Watch argue the aid expansion masks ongoing restrictions, with only 20% of pre-conflict food imports restored since October 2023. The narrative of relief is a critical step, but its effectiveness depends on sustained access and addressing the underlying conflict dynamics.