Tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas escalated on Sunday as humanitarian aid trucks bound for Gaza were turned back to Egypt after Israel halted all food and supply deliveries to the besieged enclave. This move has significantly heightened concerns about the potential collapse of the ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The aid, which was intended to provide crucial food, medicine, and supplies to Gaza’s population of over two million people, was blocked by Israel, which cited security concerns amid ongoing negotiations over a potential truce extension. The Israeli government warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas failed to accept a new ceasefire proposal, increasing fears of a return to open conflict.
Egypt, a key mediator in the ceasefire negotiations, strongly condemned Israel’s decision. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of collective punishment “unacceptable,” stating, “Each party must implement its obligations. The use of aid as a weapon of collective punishment and starvation must not, cannot, or should not be allowed.” Abdelatty further described Israel’s actions as a violation of international humanitarian law.
The ceasefire, which initially began on January 19, had allowed for a surge in aid deliveries during its first phase. However, the second phase, which was intended to secure the release of hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire, has seen stalled negotiations. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of Gaza, condemned Israel’s move as a “war crime” and a blatant violation of the truce, which it claims was meant to ease the suffering of Gaza’s civilians.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that the breakdown of the ceasefire could push Gaza back into an even worse humanitarian crisis, with hospitals, schools, and infrastructure already severely damaged by months of conflict. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher expressed alarm over Israel’s actions, while Doctors Without Borders (MSF) called the decision “unacceptable” and “outrageous.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that his government was prepared to resume military operations if talks failed to produce a viable solution. He also reiterated Israel’s alignment with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which had provided strong support for Israel during the conflict.
As the blockade intensified, residents in Gaza reported a sharp increase in food prices, with some items doubling in cost. The blockade, along with the halt of aid deliveries, has raised fears of a renewed humanitarian catastrophe, pushing many families already struggling with food and medical shortages to the brink of survival.
The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement, and the future of the region hanging in the balance as international calls for renewed peace talks grow louder. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with civilian casualties rising and critical resources running dangerously low.
