Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza since early Sunday has sparked widespread condemnation from Palestinian factions, regional countries, and international organizations.
At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the blockade aims to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, as put forth by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu warned that Hamas would face \"additional consequences\" if it did not agree to the proposal.
In response, Hamas condemned the decision, labeling it a \"blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase.\" The group criticized the blockade of aid to Gaza's 2 million residents as \"cheap blackmail and a war crime,\" urging mediators and the international community to press Israel to reverse the decision.
Mahmoud Meedawi, a senior Hamas official, emphasized that the group refuses to extend the first phase of the agreement without the full implementation of all its phases, as originally signed.
CondemnationsThe Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine called the blockade \"a flagrant violation of the ceasefire\" and an indication that Israel seeks to evade the second phase of the agreement.
The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine condemned the decision as an escalation of Israel's \"starvation warfare\" against Gaza's population, warning that it will deepen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Islamic Jihad labeled the decision \"a crime against humanity,\" accusing the United States of shielding Israel by providing military aid and political cover.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the politicization of humanitarian aid, labeling it a tool for extortion. They called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Foreign ministries from Egypt and Jordan echoed these sentiments, stating that using aid as a weapon of collective punishment and starvation in Gaza is unacceptable and impermissible. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for \"humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately and for the release of all hostages,\" urging all parties to prevent a return to hostilities.
Uncertain FutureThe blockade has led to a severe shortage of food for Palestinians in Gaza, leaving them struggling to find essentials like flour and bread during the fasting period of Ramadan. The chaotic situation has heightened fears of further Israeli military assaults.
Later on Sunday, Israeli officials announced that a delegation would arrive in Cairo to discuss ways to defuse tensions and maintain the ceasefire. Over the past six weeks, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement. Despite these setbacks, the ceasefire remains in place, with the hostage-for-prisoner exchange in the first phase already completed.
The original agreement intended for the second phase to initiate negotiations over the release of the remaining 59 hostages, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a final end to the war. However, talks have yet to begin, and Israel maintains that all its hostages must be returned for fighting to cease.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
