The ongoing military operations carried out by Israel, coupled with the blockage of humanitarian aid, have tragically turned Gaza into a dire situation for Palestinians and those endeavoring to assist them. This serious claim comes from the medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders, which paints a somber picture of the current humanitarian crisis.
Since the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has been actively engaged in military operations in Gaza. This escalation resumed in March following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, which disintegrated due to disagreements regarding future actions.
As a result of the conflict, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been displaced from their homes. The situation worsened on March 2 when Israel imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid, just days before the truce ended. As reported by the United Nations, essential resources—including medical supplies, fuel, and clean water—are currently in critically short supply.
Recently, an alarming incident occurred when Israeli forces fired upon ambulances in Gaza, resulting in the tragic deaths of 15 medical personnel and rescuers. This event has drawn international condemnation, heightening scrutiny on the actions of the Israeli army. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stated, “The killing of the medics and humanitarian workers raises further concerns of war crimes by the Israeli army.”
Dr. Bazerolle from Doctors Without Borders emphasized, “We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza.” She continued, “With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care.”
Amid the chaos, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israel will not permit any humanitarian aid into Gaza, using this as a leverage against Hamas while discussions around a potential ceasefire continue. “Israel’s policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza. Blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population,” Katz acknowledged, shortly after the UN warned that Gaza was facing its most critical humanitarian crisis since the onset of hostilities in October 2023.
As we delve into the status of Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal, it is important to highlight the recent address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement made during his visit to northern Gaza, he affirmed the commitment to advance military actions against Hamas to secure the release of hostages. “They are striking the enemy, and Hamas will continue to suffer blow after blow. We insist that they release our hostages and achieve all of our war objectives,” Mr. Netanyahu declared.
Of the 251 hostages taken during the initial assault by Hamas, 58 are still unaccounted for, including 34 that the Israeli military believes are deceased. On Monday, Hamas indicated that it had received a new truce proposal from Israel, suggesting the release of ten living hostages in return for a 45-day ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his perspective during a recent phone call with Netanyahu, emphasizing that only a ceasefire could facilitate the release of remaining hostages. He asserted, “The suffering of Gazan civilians must end,” advocating for the opening of all humanitarian aid crossings into the beleaguered territory.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian needs.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
