Israel plans to halve the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza and restrict distribution of humanitarian assistance in the war-torn territory, accusing Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement over delays in returning remains of dead hostages.
The decision was communicated to US officials and international aid groups, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Israeli government has not yet issued an official comment on the planned cuts.
The move threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are struggling with severe shortages of food, medicine and clean water following months of intense fighting. Aid organisations have warned that restrictions on assistance could push vulnerable populations towards famine.
Ceasefire Holds Despite Growing Tensions
The tenuous ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war remained in place on Tuesday, even as the return of deceased hostages from Gaza progressed more slowly than Israelis had hoped. Health officials in the devastated territory reported that Israeli military forces fatally shot three Palestinians, raising questions about the durability of the truce.
Israel has accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire terms by delaying the release of remains belonging to hostages seized during the 7th October 2023 attacks. The slow pace of returns has frustrated Israeli families and government officials who expected swifter compliance with the agreement.
Hamas has not publicly responded to Israel’s accusations of violations, and it remains unclear what specific delays have triggered Israel’s threatened response.
Celebrations Mark Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
A day earlier, emotional scenes unfolded on both sides as Israelis celebrated the return of the last 20 living hostages held in Gaza. The freed captives were reunited with their families after spending months in captivity under harrowing conditions.
Simultaneously, Palestinians rejoiced at Israel’s release of approximately 2,000 prisoners and detainees as part of the ceasefire’s first phase. Crowds gathered in towns and cities across Gaza and the West Bank to welcome home those freed from Israeli detention facilities.
The prisoner releases included individuals convicted of various offences, some serving lengthy sentences. The exchanges formed a central component of the ceasefire agreement brokered through international mediators.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The planned reduction in aid trucks comes as Gaza faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation following the prolonged conflict. The territory’s infrastructure has been devastated, with hospitals, schools and residential buildings reduced to rubble.
International aid organisations have been working frantically to deliver food, medicine and essential supplies to Gaza’s population. Any reduction in the number of trucks permitted entry would severely hamper relief efforts and potentially cost lives.
United Nations officials have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with children particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease. Water and sanitation systems have collapsed in many areas, raising fears of epidemics.
The World Food Programme and other agencies have called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, emphasising that aid distribution must remain separate from political and security disputes.
International Response Awaited
US officials, who were informed of Israel’s plans to cut aid deliveries, have not yet publicly commented on the decision. Washington has historically balanced support for Israel’s security concerns with calls for humanitarian access to Palestinian civilians.
The planned restrictions could test the Biden administration’s position, particularly as international pressure mounts for sustained humanitarian relief to Gaza’s beleaguered population.
European Union officials and humanitarian groups are likely to express concern about any reduction in aid flows, arguing that civilian populations should not be punished for alleged violations by militant groups.
Ceasefire Terms Under Scrutiny
The ceasefire agreement, which brought fighting to a halt after months of devastating conflict, included detailed provisions for hostage releases, prisoner exchanges and humanitarian access. Both sides committed to specific timelines and procedures.
Israel maintains that Hamas’s alleged delays in returning hostage remains constitute a material breach of the agreement. Israeli officials have warned that continued violations could jeopardise the ceasefire’s later phases.
Hamas has previously complained about Israeli compliance with ceasefire terms, though specific grievances have not been detailed publicly. The militant group has faced challenges in locating and recovering remains of hostages who died in captivity or during fighting.
The success of the ceasefire depends on both parties adhering to agreed protocols whilst navigating complex logistical and political challenges.
The situation remains fluid, with aid organisations urgently seeking clarification on Israel’s plans and appealing for continued humanitarian access to prevent further suffering among Gaza’s civilian population.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
