On Sunday, Israel ceased all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, warning of “additional consequences” if Hamas rejects a new proposal to extend the fragile ceasefire. This move drew sharp criticism from Egypt, which accused Israel of employing “starvation as a weapon.”
Hamas condemned Israel’s decision, labeling it “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack” on the truce that began in January after extensive negotiations. The first phase of the ceasefire, which allowed a surge in humanitarian aid following severe food shortages, expired on Saturday.
The proposed extension, described by Israel as a U.S. initiative, aims to prolong the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, with Hamas releasing remaining hostages in stages. However, Hamas and Egypt have rejected this proposal, insisting on a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal as prerequisites for hostage release.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, with more than half being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The war has left Gaza’s population of over 2 million heavily reliant on international aid. The recent aid blockade has led to immediate price hikes and heightened fears of famine and chaos among residents.
Source: Swifteradio.com
