Throughout history, wars have meant sieges, blockades, and starvation—not large-scale humanitarian relief from one side to the other. Israel’s policy of letting in food, medicine, and fuel to Gaza, even while fighting Hamas, stands out as an exception.
World War II: The Allies and Axis powers never supplied each other’s civilians. Humanitarian relief—like Red Cross food parcels to prisoners or limited shipments to occupied Europe—came strictly from neutral organizations, not from enemy governments.
U.S. in Iraq (2003–2011): American forces provided food and medicine, but only after the regime fell. Aid was tied to occupation and reconstruction, not while Saddam Hussein still fought.
Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970): Aid to starving Biafrans was brokered by churches and NGOs. The central government allowed some shipments, but always under tight limits and suspicion—not as sustained state policy.