Arab Nations and UN Unite Against Israel’s Gaza Aid Blockade: A Call for Action

Many Arab nations and the UN have criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypt and Qatar claim this move breaks the ceasefire agreement. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called it “alarming.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the blockade, saying Hamas steals aid to fund its activities. He also accused the group of rejecting a US proposal to extend the ceasefire that ended recently.

A spokesperson for Hamas countered that Israel’s actions amounted to “cheap blackmail” and undermined the ceasefire deal. The ceasefire, which lasted for 15 months, allowed for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.

Qatar’s foreign ministry strongly condemned Israel’s blockade, saying it violates both the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law. Egypt’s ministry claimed Israel is using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians. Both Qatar and Egypt played key roles in brokering the ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia also condemned the blockade, expressing its disapproval through its foreign ministry. Tom Fletcher emphasized that international humanitarian law mandates access for life-saving aid.

Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas was hindering the delivery of supplies and using them for military purposes. Historically, Hamas has denied these claims of stealing aid.

The ceasefire phase that started on January 19 recently expired, and discussions for a more lasting ceasefire were supposed to begin weeks ago but have made little progress. Currently, there are believed to be about 24 hostages alive, with another 39 presumed dead.

Future phases aim for the release of all remaining hostsages and the reconstruction of Gaza, a process that could take years. Hamas has stated it won’t agree to extend the ceasefire without assurances for the next phase.

As the ceasefire came to an end, Israel showed openness to a six-week extension during Ramadan and Passover, with the caveat that if talks stalled, military action could resume.

On the humanitarian front, aid agencies reported no trucks entering Gaza on a recent Sunday, stressing the need for continuous support. Although thousands of trucks had been delivering supplies weekly since the ceasefire, the blockade raises urgent concerns.

Unfortunately, violence continues, with reports of casualties from Israeli strikes in Gaza, amid ongoing tensions that intensified after Hamas’s attacks on Israel in October. Israel’s military response has reportedly resulted in significant casualties in Gaza.

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