US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, suggesting that an agreement involving Israel and Hamas could be reached as early as next week. “We believe that within the next week, we may secure a ceasefire,” Mr. Trump stated during a recent press briefing.
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The President mentioned ongoing discussions with key stakeholders striving to establish peace amid the escalating hostilities between Israel and Hamas. It is noteworthy that the United States played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire during the final days of former President Joe Biden’s administration, with support from Trump’s incoming team.
In a somber update, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that Israeli forces have killed at least 62 Palestinians, including ten individuals who were waiting for humanitarian aid. “Sixteen people had already been reported dead before they reached the location,” reported Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the civil defense. In response, the Israeli military stated that it is “investigating the incidents” and denied firing at one of the locations in central Gaza where casualties were reported.
In light of these allegations, Israel’s Military Advocate General has initiated an investigation into potential war crimes, focusing on claims that Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian civilians near aid distribution sites. The Haaretz newspaper has quoted unnamed Israeli soldiers indicating they were instructed to use excessive force to keep crowds back, despite the apparent lack of threat from the civilians. The Israeli military, however, firmly denies that any orders were issued to target civilians. They have reiterated their commitment to enhancing safety measures in aid distribution areas, including installing new fencing and signage, along with creating additional access routes to facilitate aid delivery.
“All allegations of deviations from the law or IDF directives will be meticulously examined, and appropriate actions will be taken if necessary,” the military asserted.
In a related development, the US State Department has approved $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). “This assistance is part of President Trump’s and Secretary Rubio’s ongoing efforts to pursue peace in the region,” stated State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott during a routine press briefing. This marks the first known financial contribution from the US government to the GHF, an organization that utilizes private for-profit US military and logistics firms for aid delivery in Gaza.
However, major humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have declined to collaborate with the GHF, citing concerns that its operations compromise fundamental humanitarian principles. The Doctors Without Borders charity has called for an immediate halt to the relief effort, condemning it as “slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid.” They argue that the GHF inherently degrades Palestinians by forcing them to choose between starvation and perilous conditions to secure basic supplies.
The humanitarian landscape in Gaza has been dire, particularly since Israel began restricting the flow of essential food and supplies, leading to warnings of famine. The GHF, operating under controversial circumstances, began its activities at the end of May and has reportedly faced chaotic scenes and tragic fatalities. According to the Gaza health ministry, almost 550 individuals have been killed near aid centers while attempting to access limited resources. The UN has also noted that over 400 individuals have perished while seeking aid since Israel lifted its blockade several weeks ago.
Earlier this month, the GHF paused its operations for a day to urge the Israeli government to enhance civilian safety near distribution sites, following a series of tragic deaths. Although the GHF claims there have been no fatal incidents in the immediate vicinity of its aid points, concerns regarding safety and the involvement of for-profit firms continue to raise critical questions.
Johnnie Moore, the GHF’s executive director and a former White House adviser, stated that the organization has delivered over 46 million meals to Gazans since its operations commenced in May. However, some US officials have voiced opposition to funding the GHF due to apprehensions surrounding violence near its aid distribution sites and the lack of transparency about its financial operations.
As these complex dynamics unfold, the United States has the potential to approve subsequent monthly grants of $30 million to the GHF, albeit with concerns about oversight and governance lingering in the background. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores the need for urgent and effective interventions to support the millions displaced and in dire need of assistance.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
