Amid escalating tensions, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are voicing serious concerns regarding Israel’s recent decision to halt the entry of food and other essential supplies. This drastic move is feared to intensify an already critical humanitarian situation.
On Sunday, Israel announced the suspension of food and supply shipments into Gaza, prompting a wave of alarm from Palestinian residents. Yahya Al-Sharif, a displaced individual from Rafah, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating,
“Closing the crossings will make the situation worse than it is now. Our situation is not good while the crossings are open, so what will it be if they close the crossings?”
He further lamented that “things will get worse. There is basically nothing good in the whole country.”
International response and accusations
Critics, including human rights organizations and the United Nations, have condemned Israel’s decision as detrimental. Mohammed Abu Shalhoub, another displaced person from Rafah, expressed his outrage, labeling the action as “a decision of genocide,” urging the global community to take notice. He insisted that “human rights organizations in the world are standing and looking at us.”
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher termed the decision “alarming,” emphasizing that international humanitarian law mandates the provision of aid access. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of attempting to undermine the ceasefire and branded the food blockade as “a war crime and a blatant attack” on the truce established in January.
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have also criticized Israel, alleging that the blockade constitutes a violation of both the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law, particularly by employing starvation as a tactic.
Ceasefire negotiations and future implications
The initial phase of the ceasefire recently concluded, and negotiations for a more complex second phase are anticipated to commence shortly. Israel justifies its recent actions as a reaction to Hamas’ reluctance to accept a temporary extension of the ceasefire, which had been proposed by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has yet to comment publicly on these developments.
Under the proposed framework, Hamas would release half of the 59 Israeli hostages it is currently holding on the first day of negotiations, with the remainder to be freed contingent upon reaching an agreement for a permanent ceasefire. Hamas insists that discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire should begin immediately.
The ongoing conflict, ignited by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, has left over 2 million residents of Gaza increasingly reliant on international assistance. Since the ceasefire commenced on January 19, approximately 600 aid trucks have been entering Gaza daily.