Several Arab states and the United Nations have voiced strong condemnation against Israel for its decision to block the entry of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This blockade, implemented on Sunday, has been criticized by Egypt and Qatar, who argue that it violates the recently established ceasefire agreement. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described the situation as alarming, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian access.
In response to the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the blockade, claiming that Hamas was stealing humanitarian supplies and utilizing them to finance its terror activities. He further accused the Palestinian group of rejecting a proposal from the United States to extend the ceasefire, which expired on Saturday. According to Netanyahu, Israel had approved the US proposal, yet the situation remains dire.
Qatar's foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions in a statement, labeling the blockade as a blatant violation of both the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign ministry accused Israel of employing starvation as a weapon against the Palestinian people, as reported by the AFP news agency. Both Qatar and Egypt played crucial roles in mediating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, making their denunciations particularly significant.
Further extending the wave of condemnation, Saudi Arabia also expressed its disapproval of the Israeli blockade, with its foreign ministry issuing a statement denouncing the action. This collective response from Arab states highlights the ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, underlined the importance of allowing access to deliver vital lifesaving aid. He stated on social media: "International humanitarian law is clear: We must be allowed access to deliver vital lifesaving aid." This call for adherence to international norms reflects the critical need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
In light of the accusations, a Hamas spokesman described Israel's blockade as "cheap blackmail" and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, recently expired, and negotiations for a second phase intended to establish a permanent ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza have barely commenced. Currently, there are believed to be 24 hostages alive, while another 39 are presumed dead.
The third phase of the proposed agreement aims to ensure the return of all remaining bodies of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza, a process expected to take years. Hamas has previously stated that it will not agree to an extension of the current ceasefire without guarantees from mediators regarding the progression to phase two.
As the initial phase of the deal came to an end, Netanyahu's office announced that Israel had agreed to a proposal from Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's envoy, for a temporary ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover. If negotiations do not yield results by the end of this period, Israel reserves the right to resume military action. The proposal, which has not been publicly detailed, is said to involve the release of half of the remaining living hostages and the deceased.
Witkoff's mediation efforts aim to bridge the significant divides between Israel and Hamas concerning conditions for a lasting peace, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the situation in Gaza.
