Tensions are running high again in Gaza after Israel decided to stop all goods and aid from entering the territory. This move came right after the first phase of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas ended, and now both sides are accusing each other of breaking the deal.
The ceasefire, which started in January, brought some relief to Gaza’s people, who had been struggling with hunger and destruction. But the agreement’s next phase — which was supposed to include Hamas releasing more hostages in exchange for an Israeli military pullout and a lasting truce — has stalled. Talks for this phase should have started weeks ago, but they haven’t.
Now Egypt, one of the key mediators, is calling out Israel for using what they describe as “starvation as a weapon” by cutting off aid. Hamas is also accusing Israel of trying to sabotage the peace efforts and called the aid blockade a “war crime.”
Israel, however, says it won’t agree to any further ceasefire unless Hamas keeps releasing hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel is ready to resume fighting if negotiations don’t move forward.
Meanwhile, people in Gaza are feeling the pressure. With no new supplies coming in, prices for basic goods have doubled, and fears of famine are growing. “Everyone is worried,” said one resident from Gaza City. Others in heavily damaged areas say the situation is becoming unbearable.
The Israeli government has proposed extending the ceasefire through the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. Under this plan, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages right away and the rest when both sides agree on a permanent ceasefire. But Hamas insists it won’t let go of the hostages without securing a full Israeli withdrawal and a complete end to the war.
The first phase of the ceasefire had its problems too. Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and returned the bodies of eight others in exchange for Israel freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Despite this, violence didn’t stop completely — there were reports of Israeli strikes and deadly clashes even during the truce.
Now the future of this fragile peace hangs in the balance. Mediators are working hard behind the scenes, but time is running out. And for the people of Gaza, every day without aid pushes them closer to catastrophe.
