In a stark escalation of violence, at least two individuals lost their lives in Rafah due to Israeli fire, and three others sustained injuries in Khan Younis, both located in the southern region of Gaza. These tragic losses have heightened concerns among the Palestinian population, stirring fears that the fragile ceasefire could ultimately collapse. This anxiety is amplified by Israel’s recent imposition of a complete blockade on the beleaguered enclave, a move that deepens the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The initial phase of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which commenced in January, recently concluded over the weekend. Unfortunately, no consensus has emerged regarding the future of this tenuous peace. Hamas has articulated that a second phase is now imperative, demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and a definitive end to hostilities. In stark contrast, Israel proposes a temporary extension into April, conditional upon Hamas’s commitment to release more hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees—without any immediate discussion about Gaza’s long-term future.
“The mediators and guarantors bear full responsibility for preventing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu from sabotaging all efforts made to reach the agreement, and for safeguarding the ceasefire from unraveling,” asserted Mr. Hamdan during a press conference, emphasizing the critical role of international mediators in this increasingly precarious situation.
According to two Israeli officials, mediators have requested additional time to address the ongoing impasse. In the meantime, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes weighed in, stating, “Israel has negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists.” He added, “We will support their decision on next steps given that Hamas has indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire.” These statements resonate with urgency and reveal the complexities wrought by shifting diplomatic landscapes.
As tensions exacerbate, Israel has intensified its blockade, restricting all supplies—food, fuel, and essential goods—essential for the survival of over 2.3 million Gazans trying to navigate life amidst debris and destruction following a devastating 15-month conflict. The urgency of the situation is stark; hundreds of trucks bearing crucial supplies remain stalled at the Egyptian border, unable to deliver much-needed aid. Gazan residents lament the rapid depletion of shop inventories, with the price of a sack of flour soaring overnight from 40 shekels to more than double that. “Where will our food come from?” implored Salah al-Hajj Hassan, a resident of Jabalia, poignantly expressing the despair felt by many. “We are dying, and we don’t want war or the alarm bells of displacement or the alarm bells of starving our children.”
The atmosphere is tense, as Israeli tanks positioned near Gaza’s eastern and southern borders increased firepower throughout the night. An alarming state of alert has been declared among fighters, signaling a growing restlessness in the region. Reports indicate that at least two individuals were killed by Israeli drone fire in Rafah, while others were wounded when a helicopter targeted Khan Younis. The Israeli military has stated that these actions were taken in response to perceived threats, creating a cycle of violence that makes the prospect of peace seem increasingly remote.
In a recent announcement, Netanyahu’s office revealed that a proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish celebration of Passover has been accepted. This ceasefire is envisioned to last until approximately April 20, contingent on Hamas releasing half of the remaining hostages at the onset, with further terms to be negotiated later. However, Hamas maintains steadfastly that they are committed to adhering to the initially agreed-upon ceasefire, which is focused on reaching a permanent resolution to the conflict and releasing hostages as part of that framework.
The political and humanitarian landscape remains convoluted. Gazan authorities are urging residents to report merchants who are raising food prices in response to the new blockade. Businessman Tamer al-Burai highlighted the dire economic conditions, stating, “It is catastrophic and things might worsen if the ceasefire isn’t resumed or local authorities don’t intervene against greedy merchants.” In contrast, Salama Marouf, head of the Gaza government media office, sought to reassure families by stating, “There is enough food in the markets for at least two weeks,” while simultaneously stressing the need for cooperation among merchants to prevent price gouging.
On the Israeli side, a government spokesperson reassured that there are adequate supplies in Gaza to last for months, citing a significant influx of aid over recent weeks. “There is plenty of food and supplies in Gaza; 4,200 trucks a week have gone in during this ceasefire, enough for many months,” said David Mencer. Yet, humanitarian agencies warn of the impending obsolescence of these goods, cautioning that they lack the capacity to stockpile indefinitely at the border. “Aid is arriving at our warehouses every day…but we cannot be sure how long that will continue,” shared Jurgen Hogl, the operations coordinator for the International Federation of the Red Cross in Egypt, emphasizing the pressing nature of the humanitarian crisis.
The harsh realities of this conflict are staggering. Israel’s military operations have claimed over 48,000 Palestinian lives, leaving a vast majority of the population displaced. This tumultuous cycle of violence ignited following an attack by Hamas-led fighters on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and the capture of over 250 hostages, with approximately 59 believed to still be held in Gaza. As we witness the tragedy unfold, one must pause to reflect: how many more lives must be lost before a true, lasting peace emerges?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
