Israel's prime minister has said his decision to allow a "minimal" amount of food into Gaza after 11 weeks of blockade followed pressure from allies in the US Senate. "We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint," Benjamin Netanyahu stressed in a video in response to criticism of the move in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that his decision to resume limited aid to Gaza came from pressure from allies.

Israel pursued its military operation in Gaza after it agreed to lift a two-month-old blockade on aid deliveries that has left the enclave on the brink of famine.