Mon May 19 21:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text, framed from an Indian perspective as requested:
**Summary:**
After nearly three months of a complete blockade, Israel has allowed a small number of aid trucks into Gaza following mounting international pressure, including from key allies. The aid, consisting of baby food and other essential supplies, entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The UN welcomes this development but emphasizes that much more aid is urgently needed, warning of potential famine. This decision comes as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, claiming it aims to pressure Hamas for hostage releases. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated intentions to fully control Gaza, establish a new aid distribution system circumventing Hamas, and encourage Palestinian emigration. While the Trump administration has voiced support for Israel’s actions, it has also expressed concern about the growing humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu claims that allies are against the “images of hunger”. However, the volume of aid is minimal and concerns remain about potential looting due to the chaotic situation on the ground.
**News Article (Framed from an Indian Perspective – “The View From India”):**
**Limited Aid Trickles into Gaza Amidst Continued Conflict, Concerns of Famine Mount**
**TEL AVIV, Israel | May 20, 2025:** Under increasing pressure from international allies, including Washington, Israel has permitted a small number of humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip after nearly three months of a complete blockade, according to reports. The development comes as concerns over a looming famine reach critical levels within the besieged territory.
Five trucks carrying essential supplies, including baby food, entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday, confirmed the Israeli defense body COGAT. The United Nations has cautiously welcomed this as a “positive step” but stressed that the delivered aid is far from adequate to meet the urgent needs of the over 2 million Palestinians trapped within Gaza.
“The View From India” notes the situation with growing concern, highlighting the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe. Food security experts have warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, a situation exacerbated by ongoing military operations and restricted access to essential resources. During the previous ceasefire in March, an average of 600 aid trucks entered Gaza daily, a stark contrast to the current trickle.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the decision to allow limited aid followed warnings from allies who expressed they could not support Israel’s continued military action if images of mass starvation emerged from Gaza. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his plan to control Gaza completely and to oversee the distribution of all aid.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by the October 7, 2023, attacks, continues to escalate. Israel says it aims to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, while Hamas insists on a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces. Experts fear any efforts to relocate Palestinians will violate International Law.
The Trump administration has maintained its support for Israel’s actions, although recent statements from President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio indicate growing anxiety over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
“The View From India” observes that the limited aid, which a UN official has described as “a drop in the ocean,” is unlikely to significantly alleviate the suffering of the Gazan people. The news outlet also questions the long-term effectiveness of the proposed new aid distribution system, intended to circumvent Hamas, given the practical challenges of implementation in a conflict zone. Concerns remain about the potential for aid looting and the need for multiple access points to ensure a consistent and sufficient flow of assistance to those in desperate need.
First Piper 