In a significant development, Israel has suspended all humanitarian aid to Gaza as it demands Hamas extend the cease-fire terms, amid worsening living conditions for residents.
Cease-Fire Negotiations Stall as Israel Halts Aid to Gaza
Cease-Fire Negotiations Stall as Israel Halts Aid to Gaza
Israel's new strategy aims to pressure Hamas but faces dire humanitarian consequences for Gaza's residents.
Israel made a decisive move on Sunday by ceasing all humanitarian contributions to the Gaza Strip, escalating pressure on Hamas to agree to a temporary extension of the cease-fire that had helped stabilize the conflict for a brief period. This decision disrupts previous negotiations for a lasting peace agreement and raises concerns about the fate of hostages still held by the militant group.
The halt of vital supplies, including food and medical assistance, poses an immediate threat to approximately two million residents living in Gaza, already affected by the ravages of a 15-month war. The abrupt suspension follows the conclusion of the initial six-week cease-fire, which, despite its flaws and allegations of breaches from both sides, facilitated the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight deceased ones in exchange for 1,500 Palestinian detainees.
Under the proposed new terms, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a push for a seven-week extension, demanding that Hamas release half of the remaining hostages and their deceased counterparts before considering a permanent cease-fire agreement. "Israel will not allow a cease-fire without the release of our hostages," stated Netanyahu's office. With the humanitarian situation critical and the deadline looming, the negotiations remain in a precarious state, leaving future developments uncertain.
The halt of vital supplies, including food and medical assistance, poses an immediate threat to approximately two million residents living in Gaza, already affected by the ravages of a 15-month war. The abrupt suspension follows the conclusion of the initial six-week cease-fire, which, despite its flaws and allegations of breaches from both sides, facilitated the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight deceased ones in exchange for 1,500 Palestinian detainees.
Under the proposed new terms, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a push for a seven-week extension, demanding that Hamas release half of the remaining hostages and their deceased counterparts before considering a permanent cease-fire agreement. "Israel will not allow a cease-fire without the release of our hostages," stated Netanyahu's office. With the humanitarian situation critical and the deadline looming, the negotiations remain in a precarious state, leaving future developments uncertain.
