Several Arab nations and the United Nations have strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block all humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, warning that the move jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire and further endangers civilians in the region.
International Outcry
On Sunday, both Egypt and Qatar denounced the blockade as a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. Qatar’s foreign ministry described the decision as a breach of international humanitarian law, while Egypt accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon against the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia also expressed its condemnation, adding to the chorus of regional criticism.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher labeled the blockade “alarming” on social media, emphasising that international humanitarian law demands unrestricted access to deliver lifesaving aid to those in desperate need.
Israel’s Defense
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision, accusing Hamas of misappropriating humanitarian supplies to finance its terror operations. Netanyahu claimed that the blockade was necessary after Hamas allegedly rejected a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which expired on Saturday. According to Netanyahu, the measures were taken to ensure that aid would not be diverted to fund militant activities.
Hamas spokesperson, however, dismissed Israel’s rationale, describing the blockade as “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” against the ceasefire agreement that ended 15 months of fighting and facilitated a historic exchange involving 33 Israeli hostages and approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
Ceasefire and Future Negotiations
The current ceasefire, which has already led to significant humanitarian relief and the exchange of hostages, is now under severe strain. Negotiations for phase two of the ceasefire are underway. This next phase would establish a permanent ceasefire, secure the release of all remaining living hostages, and see the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Furthermore, phase three of the agreement is expected to address the return of all remaining bodies of the Israeli hostages and the extensive reconstruction of Gaza—a process that could take years. Hamas has maintained that it will not agree to any extension of phase one unless there is a firm guarantee that phase two will eventually be implemented.
As the international community watches with growing concern, the recent blockade by Israel has intensified regional tensions and raised urgent questions about the future of the ceasefire in Gaza. With negotiations in their infancy and both sides entrenched in their positions, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
