U.N. Warns of Crisis as Israel Halts Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Key Developments:
- U.N. Concern: UNICEF warns that Israel’s decision to block most humanitarian aid, except water, will have “devastating consequences” for children and families in Gaza.
- Ceasefire Uncertainty: The first phase of a ceasefire expired, with Israel and Hamas unable to agree on the terms of the second phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted a U.S. proposal to extend it, but claims Hamas rejected the deal.
- Aid Restrictions: Netanyahu justified the aid halt by accusing Hamas of diverting supplies. However, the U.N. stated there is no evidence of looting since the ceasefire began.
- Humanitarian Criticism: Aid groups, including the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam, condemned the move, calling it “collective punishment” and a violation of international humanitarian law.
- Hostage Families Speak Out: Relatives of hostages held by Hamas urged U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate a deal for their immediate release, without phased agreements.
- Diplomatic Reactions: Egypt and Qatar, mediators in ceasefire talks, criticized Israel’s decision, and the Arab League is set to hold an emergency summit in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the crisis.
Israel’s decision to halt aid deliveries has sparked international backlash, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With ceasefire negotiations stalled, diplomatic efforts are intensifying to prevent further escalation.
