Recent reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 90 lives. In light of these developments, Hamas is urging the United States to persuade Israel to lift a comprehensive blockade on aid in exchange for the release of hostages held by the group.
- Advertisement -
Following a two-month ceasefire that recently collapsed, Israel reinstated a total blockade on Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Aid organizations have raised alarms about extreme shortages of essentials, including food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies. As U.S. President Donald Trump candidly noted, “A lot of people are starving” in the besieged Palestinian territory.
While visiting Abu Dhabi, Trump reassured reporters, saying, “We’re looking at Gaza. And we’re going to get that taken care of.” Notably, this address took place during a regional tour that intentionally excluded key ally Israel.
Israel’s rationale behind cutting off aid aims to compel concessions from Hamas, which continues to hold numerous Israeli hostages captured during the attack on October 7, 2023, that ignited the current conflict.
Recently, Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last remaining U.S. national hostage, following direct negotiations with the Trump administration. This unexpected engagement has left Israel on the sidelines of the arrangement. Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu expressed hope, stating that the group “awaits and expects the U.S. administration to exert further pressure” on Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid access.
Mr. Nunu’s comments came just a day after Hamas warned President Trump that Gaza is “not for sale,” in response to his suggestions of transforming the area into a “freedom zone.”
On the ground in Gaza, the civil defense agency has reported that Israeli strikes have claimed at least 88 lives. Eyewitness Umm Mohammed al-Tatari recounted her experience: “We were asleep when suddenly everything exploded around us. Everyone started running. We saw the destruction with our own eyes. There was blood everywhere, body parts and corpses.” Another resident, 33-year-old Ahmed Nasr, lamented, “There is no safety. We could die at any moment.”
At the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, grief was palpable as mourners wept over the bodies of their loved ones. Mayar Salem reflected painfully, “Only their remains are left… They were my sisters and daughters.”
The initial attack by Hamas in October 2023 resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, predominantly among civilians. Among the 251 hostages seized, 57 remain captive, with 34 confirmed deceased. The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza has reported that since the resumption of Israeli strikes on March 18, at least 2,985 lives have been lost, contributing to a staggering total of 53,119 casualties in the region.
Israeli media has indicated that the military is intensifying its offensive pursuant to a plan sanctioned by the government earlier this month, although no formal announcement regarding the campaign has been made. A military statement confirmed that over 150 “terror targets” were struck throughout Gaza in a 24-hour period.
A key Israeli advocacy group representing the families of hostages criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to seize a “historic opportunity” for a diplomatic resolution that could secure the release of hostages. In line with this, the Tivka Forum, representing families of hostages, called for increased military pressure alongside diplomatic efforts, suggesting a complete siege that includes cutting off water and electricity.
U.N. agencies have repeatedly warned of grave shortages impacting the Gaza region. The 46-member Council of Europe has described the situation as one of “deliberate starvation.” Senior Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that allowing aid into Gaza is “the minimum requirement for a conducive and constructive negotiation environment.”
A U.S.-supported NGO, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced plans to commence the distribution of humanitarian aid later this month following discussions with Israeli officials. However, the United Nations has elected to abstain from involvement, citing concerns about “impartiality, neutrality and independence.” UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has accused Israel of “killing what’s left of humanity.”
In defense of its actions, Israel maintains that halting aid and exerting military pressure are critical steps to encourage Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
