Israel Faces Criticism for Blocking Gaza Aid

In a move that has sparked international criticism, Israel halted the entry of food and supplies into Gaza on Sunday, cautioning that further actions against Hamas might occur if a tenuous ceasefire is not prolonged. Countries like Egypt and Qatar have voiced their concerns, labeling Israel’s actions as a violation of humanitarian laws by potentially using starvation as a tactic.

Throughout the first phase of the ceasefire, humanitarian assistance increased significantly after a prolonged period of increasing hunger in the region. Hamas criticized Israel on Sunday, accusing the nation of attempting to sabotage the upcoming second phase of the ceasefire. This second phase is slated to include the release of several hostages by Hamas in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, striving for a more permanent truce. Despite these discussions meant to begin a month prior, no tangible progress has occurred.

Israel recently announced backing of a new U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and ending with the Jewish holiday Passover, concluding on April 20. This plan suggests that Hamas release half of the hostages at the onset, followed by the remaining ones once a long-term ceasefire is agreed upon. Currently, Hamas is believed to hold 59 hostages, though 35 are presumed dead.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council stated that the United States supports Israel’s decisions, without offering comments on the new proposal. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reassured coordination with the U.S. and emphasized that the ceasefire will continue only if Hamas continues to release hostages.

Various organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations, have expressed significant concern over Israel’s actions and the potential unraveling of the ceasefire. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described Israel’s decision as troubling, underscoring the necessity of unrestricted aid access as dictated by international laws.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called upon all involved parties to work diligently to avoid renewed conflict in Gaza. Furthermore, he urged for the immediate release of all hostages and the restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

A coalition of five non-governmental organizations appealed to Israel’s Supreme Court, requesting an interim order against the halting of aid into Gaza. They argued that Israel’s actions contravene international legal obligations, which they stressed should not hinge on political factors.

The ongoing war has left most of Gaza’s population of over 2 million reliant on international assistance, with approximately 600 aid trucks crossing into the territory daily since the beginning of the ceasefire on January 19. Despite this influx, as news of the supply restrictions spread, prices soared within the region.

Residents of Gaza, such as those from the ravaged Jabaliya urban refugee camp, have expressed fears that the closure will only exacerbate existing dire conditions. Fayza Nassar, a resident, forewarned of potential famine and chaos.

In the meantime, Hamas threatened that failing to honor the ceasefire terms could result in severe humanitarian consequences. According to the group, the agreed-upon framework is the only pathway to the freedom of the hostages.

Meanwhile, family members of hostages have urged the Israeli government to act with urgency. “Postponing the negotiation for everyone’s release can’t happen,” Lishay Miran-Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran, expressed in Tel Aviv, emphasizing the pressing nature of the situation.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has faced accusations of blocking humanitarian aid. The country maintained a siege on Gaza from the outset of the conflict, easing restrictions somewhat only under U.S. pressure. Aid organizations and U.N. bodies have repeatedly criticized Israel for inadequate support throughout the 15-month war.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court claims there is probable cause to believe Israel utilized starvation as a warfare method, subsequently issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last year. This claim forms part of South Africa’s genocide accusation against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Israel, however, sharply denied these allegations, contending they had facilitated adequate aid shipments while blaming distribution issues on the United Nations. They further accused Hamas of diverting aid resources, a charge reiterated by Netanyahu.

Former Human Rights Watch leader Kenneth Roth highlighted Israel’s obligation as an occupying power to ensure humanitarian aid under the Geneva Conventions. He characterized Israel’s recent moves as a continuation of “war-crime starvation strategies” leading to the ICC issuance.

The hostilities initially erupted when Hamas-led militants invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages. Consequently, Israel’s counter-offensive led to the deaths of more than 48,000 Palestinians, with Gaza’s Health Ministry indicating that over half were women and children, without specifying the number of combatant casualties.

Israeli bombardments have left large parts of Gaza in ruins, with an estimated 90% of its population displaced.