Israel said it will allow the controlled entry of commercial goods into the Gaza Strip for the first time in nearly a year, approving a mechanism that lets vetted local merchants bring in supplies under strict security screening. The policy, announced on 5 August by the military agency COGAT, covers staple foods, baby formula, fruit, vegetables and hygiene products. Payments must be made by bank transfer and all consignments will be inspected by the Defence Ministry’s land-crossings authority. Jerusalem says the initiative is intended to raise the overall volume of assistance and lessen dependence on United Nations convoys, which have struggled to move freely since the war began. Humanitarian groups, however, warn the new channel is unlikely to meet demand: Gaza needed about 600 aid trucks per day before the conflict, yet only about 300 trucks were recorded entering on 4 August, while Hamas said just 95 made it through. The decision follows escalating international alarm over hunger in the enclave. The World Health Organization estimates roughly 12,000 children under five are suffering acute malnutrition, and aid agencies report deaths and injuries as desperate crowds converge on distribution points. The UN says Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians near sites run by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, allegations Israel and GHF dispute. The humanitarian crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of Israel’s 22-month war with Hamas. The militants’ 7 October 2023 attack killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken; Israeli operations have since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only about 20 believed to be alive.