Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about the possibility of a truce in Gaza following Hamas’ proposal for peace negotiations. The peace proposal, which Hamas describes as a “comprehensive vision,” includes demands for a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s office has dismissed these demands as unrealistic, indicating that the two sides remain far apart in their positions.
The recent escalation in violence in Gaza has further complicated efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement. On Thursday night, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that 20 people were killed in an incident at the Kuwaiti roundabout in Gaza City. The victims, who were waiting for aid, were caught in the crossfire between armed Palestinians and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The incident has drawn condemnation from humanitarian organizations, with the United Nations warning of a looming crisis of malnutrition and famine in northern Gaza.
Despite the challenges, efforts to deliver aid to Gaza are ongoing. The IDF has facilitated the passage of aid trucks to the region, while a U.S. charity organization is piloting a maritime route to transport food supplies to Gaza. However, Israeli restrictions on the movement of goods into Gaza have hindered these efforts, leading to a shortfall in the amount of aid reaching those in need.
The international community has also weighed in on the situation in Gaza. Australia, which had suspended funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following accusations of terrorist links, has announced that it will resume funding to the agency. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called on Israel to allow more food supplies into Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The conflict in Gaza dates back to October, when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Since then, the violence has escalated, with thousands of lives lost and significant challenges in delivering aid to the affected population. As efforts to broker a truce continue, the situation remains precarious, with the need for humanitarian assistance growing more urgent by the day.
