Israel has faced widespread criticism after deciding to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza since early Sunday. The move, aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept a new proposal to extend the ceasefire, has ignited strong reactions from Palestinian factions, regional countries, and international organizations. 🌍🚨
Condemnations
The decision has been met with fierce condemnation. Hamas called it a \"blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase,\" labeling the blockade a \"cheap blackmail and a war crime.\" Mahmoud Meedawi, a senior Hamas official, emphasized the need to implement all phases of the original agreement.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine described the blockade as \"a flagrant violation of the ceasefire,\" suggesting that Israel seeks to evade the agreement's second phase. Similarly, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine condemned the move as an escalation of Israel's \"starvation warfare\" against Gaza’s population.
Islamic Jihad labeled the blockade \"a crime against humanity\" and accused the United States of shielding Israel by providing military aid and political cover.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry rejected the politicization of humanitarian aid, calling it a tool for extortion. They urged the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the uninterrupted flow of aid into Gaza.
Regional voices echoed the criticism: Egypt and Jordan stated that using aid as a weapon of collective punishment is unacceptable and impermissible, urging Israel to reverse its decision.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for \"humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately and for the release of all hostages,\" emphasizing the need to prevent a return to hostilities.
Humanitarian Crisis
The blockade has severely impacted Gaza's 2 million residents, who are struggling to find food and essential supplies during the fasting period of Ramadan. The blockade has created chaos in the region, with Palestinians desperately searching for flour, bread, and other necessities while fearing potential Israeli military assaults. 😔🍞
Uncertain Future
In an attempt to defuse tensions, Israeli officials announced that a delegation would arrive in Cairo to discuss ways to maintain the ceasefire. Over the past six weeks, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement. Despite the setbacks, the ceasefire remains in place, and the hostage-for-prisoner exchange envisioned in the first phase has been completed.
The original agreement's second phase was intended to begin negotiations over the release of the remaining 59 hostages, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the final end to the conflict. However, talks have yet to commence, with Israel asserting that hostages must be returned for fighting to cease.
