On Friday (March 15), the first ship carrying food aid arrived at the Gaza Strip coast, bringing hope for a ceasefire to alleviate the starvation crisis. Unfortunately, these hopes were dashed after Israel rejected Hamas’s latest truce proposal.
The Open Arms vessel, carrying 200 tonnes of food, was visible off the beach of the coastal strip, having been towed from Cyprus. The charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) plans to deliver the aid on a temporary jetty, although the exact method of supplying the shore remains unclear.
If the new sea route proves successful, it could potentially alleviate the hunger crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands face malnourishment and children are dying of starvation in the most affected areas.
Despite efforts to bring aid via sea and air drops, humanitarian agencies have emphasized that these methods will not be sufficient to address Gaza’s extensive needs.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas fighters from Gaza, resulting in casualties and hostages in Israel. Subsequently, an Israeli offensive caused numerous deaths and displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population.
In response to Hamas’s latest counter-offer for a prolonged ceasefire, Israel rejected the proposal citing “unrealistic demands”. The Hamas proposal included the exchange of hostages between the two sides, with discussions to end the war in a subsequent phase.
Israel’s stance has been to consider only temporary truces, refusing to engage in discussions to end the conflict until Hamas is eliminated.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, asserted that Israel’s rejection demonstrates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s determination to continue the aggression against their people, undermining ceasefire efforts. He urged Washington to press Israel to accept a ceasefire.
Efforts by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators to achieve a ceasefire before the Ramadan holy month deadline have been unsuccessful. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution.
The United Nations reported that all 2.3 million residents of Gaza are facing a food crisis, with a quarter on the brink of famine, particularly in the northern region. Israel, which controls access to Gaza, denies responsibility for the hunger crisis, placing the blame on aid agencies for inadequate food distribution.
Agencies stress the need for improved access and security, responsibilities that fall on Israeli forces maintaining the blockade and carrying out incursions in Gaza.
During aid distribution, amid Israeli tank presence, chaos and violence erupted, resulting in casualties. A tragic incident near Gaza City led to the death of 21 individuals and injuries to 150, with Israeli forces being accused of opening fire on the food queue.
Israel refuted the accusations, similar to previous incidents, including a deadly one on Feb. 29. Tensions between the US and Israel have escalated over concerns about civilian casualties in the conflict.
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Netanyahu’s replacement, describing him as an obstacle to peace damaging Israel’s international reputation. Netanyahu’s Likud Party defended his policies and urged respect for the government during wartime.
The ongoing conflict threatens Israel’s standing on the global stage, prompting calls for a change in leadership for the sake of peace and stability.
