Israel has suspended aid to Gaza after Hamas rejected a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal involving phased hostage releases. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that conditions for a cease-fire cannot include hostage retention, while Egypt condemned the move. Ongoing Israeli airstrikes and internal negotiations continue amid rising tensions and humanitarian concerns.
Israel has decided to suspend humanitarian aid to Gaza after Hamas rejected a cease-fire proposal backed by the United States that included a phased hostage release. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that without further hostage exchanges, the cease-fire cannot continue. In response, Egypt condemned the aid cutoff, labeling it a violation of humanitarian principles and urging renewed negotiations.
According to Arab media reports, the suspension of aid aligns with Israel’s proposed cease-fire framework developed by U.S. envoy Steve Wittkoff. The Israeli government had offered to release live hostages and deceased Palestinian prisoners in exchange for more humanitarian aid. However, Hamas has maintained its stance, claiming that new demands from Israel breach their original agreement.
Netanyahu asserted that Hamas should not expect a free pass and insisted that the Israeli government would not accept a prolonged cease-fire in which hostages remain uncaptured. Despite tensions, some cabinet members do not believe Israel is keen on escalating conflict immediately, indicating both sides may be reluctant to reignite hostilities at this juncture.
Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza over the weekend, reacting to perceived violations of the cease-fire by Hamas. Casualties from the strikes were reported, with Palestinian health officials confirming multiple deaths during this period. The Israeli Defense Forces stated they would persist in countering any threats to their citizens as tensions remain high, following deadly air assaults.
Egypt attempted to mediate a reconciliation proposal, suggesting a two-week extension of the cease-fire in exchange for hostages. However, Israel dismissed the notion of sending a delegation to Cairo for discussions. Amidst these developments, humanitarian aid suspension, particularly critical during Ramadan, is viewed as a potent leverage tool by Israel, though the nation claims Hamas had substantial supplies stockpiled during the cease-fire.
Netanyahu’s government justified its cessation of aid by pointing to Hamas’s refusal to agree to the new terms outlined in Wittkoff’s framework. Analysts noted the humanitarian situation in Gaza may worsen, and there are concerns about electricity and water accessibility following aid suspension, even though current conditions appear manageable due to previously stockpiled resources.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious as Israel has halted humanitarian aid, emphasizing that future cease-fires hinge on hostage releases. While Netanyahu insists on maintaining a hard line against Hamas, tensions persist, clouding potential progress toward peace. Egypt’s attempts to mediate and the ongoing violence further complicate an already critical humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
