🚨 Breaking News: Israel's recent decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza has ignited a wave of condemnation from Palestinian factions, regional neighbors, and international organizations.
At a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the blockade, stating it was a strategic move to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal. This proposal aims to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages, a plan introduced by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Netanyahu warned that Hamas would face \"additional consequences\" if they did not agree to the proposal, heightening tensions in the already volatile region.
In retaliation, Hamas condemned the blockade as a \"blatant attempt to renege on the agreement and evade negotiations for its second phase.\" They labeled the move as \"cheap blackmail and a war crime,\" urging the international community to pressure Israel to reverse its decision.
🤝 International Reactions
Palestinian factions like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine have strongly condemned Israel's actions, describing them as violations of the ceasefire and escalation of \"starvation warfare\".
Regional countries such as Egypt and Jordan have also voiced their opposition, calling the use of aid as a weapon of collective punishment \"unacceptable and impermissible.\"
On the global stage, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for the immediate reopening of humanitarian aid channels and the release of all hostages, urging all parties to prevent a return to hostilities.
⚠️ Humanitarian Crisis
The blockade has plunged Gaza into chaos, with residents struggling to find basic necessities like food and fearing further military assaults. The situation is particularly dire during Ramadan, exacerbating the already critical humanitarian conditions.
In an attempt to de-escalate, Israeli officials have announced that a delegation will visit Cairo to discuss ways to maintain the ceasefire and alleviate tensions.
Despite mutual accusations of ceasefire violations over the past six weeks, the agreement has held, although the second phase involving negotiations for the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops remains stalled.
As the international community watches closely, the future remains uncertain for Gaza and its residents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
