The United States has rejected international appeals for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, stating that it is not the “right answer right now.” National Security spokesperson John Kirby made this announcement on Monday, suggesting instead short pauses in the fighting to allow for the delivery of aid in Gaza. However, the current humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with supplies of food, water, fuel, and medicine running dangerously low for its 2.2 million residents. On the other hand, Israel has vowed to continue its military operations until Hamas is dismantled. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that calls for a ceasefire are equivalent to surrendering to terrorism and that this will not happen.
During a press briefing, Mr. Kirby expressed confidence that more aid trucks could enter Gaza through Egypt. The US has discussed with the Israeli government the possibility of increasing the number of lorries crossing the border each day to about 100. On Sunday, approximately 45 trucks entered Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah Crossing, but it is acknowledged that more aid will be needed. Before the conflict began, around 500 trucks a day were delivering aid to Gaza, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN relief agency UNRWA.
Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, Israel has been bombing Gaza, resulting in the death of 1,400 people in Israel and the capture of 229 people by Hamas. In retaliation, Israeli forces have killed over 8,300 people in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. On Monday, Yinam Cohen, Israel’s consul general to the Midwest, announced that one of the hostages held by Hamas, Natalie Raanan, had returned home to Chicago.
Last week, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas. However, Israel angrily dismissed this call. According to Mr. Lazzarini, the aid system will fail unless there is political will to address the unprecedented humanitarian needs. On Monday, Israel launched the “second stage” of its operation against Hamas, with ground forces expanding their operations in Gaza after three weeks of intense bombings.
