One day after a peace summit in Egypt, where leaders from European and Arab nations alongside President Trump declared an end to the war in Gaza, the Israeli government swiftly undermined the ceasefire agreement. On Tuesday, Israeli military operations resumed, resulting in the deaths of at least seven Palestinians, many of whom were returning to their homes after enduring months of displacement. Furthermore, Israel announced it would restrict humanitarian aid into Gaza, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation.
The ceasefire agreement had clearly stipulated that Israel would cease all military operations and restore the flow of humanitarian aid to pre-war levels, which had seen around 600 aid trucks entering Gaza daily. However, Israel’s military conducted two strikes shortly after the agreement, and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) informed aid organizations that deliveries would be limited to just 300 trucks per day—half of what was agreed upon. Additionally, the Rafah crossing, a critical entry point for aid from Egypt, remained closed, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Israel justified its actions by accusing Hamas of failing to return the bodies of Israeli prisoners as promised. Within the 72-hour window set by the ceasefire, Hamas did return 20 living Israeli prisoners in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, many of whom had been held without charges. However, the retrieval of deceased detainees was acknowledged by all parties to be a more complex issue, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 bodies lie buried beneath the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been tasked with facilitating the search for these remains, a process that could take days or even weeks.
Despite the ceasefire’s provisions for the return of bodies, no exceptions were made for the resumption of humanitarian aid, leading to criticism from both the Red Cross and the United Nations. Palestinian American writer and foreign policy expert Tariq Kenny-Shawa expressed disappointment at Israel’s rapid violation of the ceasefire, noting that such actions are part of a broader pattern of exploitation of technicalities to continue military aggression. “What they’re doing now is that they’re exploiting it in order to continue to genocide, albeit at a slightly reduced rate of killing,” he stated.
Experts have raised concerns about the vagueness of the ceasefire agreement, which allows Israel considerable leeway to resume attacks. Historical precedents, such as Israel’s ongoing violations of ceasefire agreements with Hezbollah, have led many to predict similar outcomes in Gaza. For instance, recent drone strikes in Gaza City killed civilians engaged in the mundane act of inspecting their homes, underscoring the precariousness of the situation.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has hinted at future military objectives, including the destruction of Hamas’ tunnels, which could lead to further incursions into Gaza. Ramy Abdu, chair of Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, argues that such military actions and restrictions on aid are part of a long-term strategy to displace Palestinians and worsen their living conditions, ultimately paving the way for economic redevelopment plans that exclude Palestinian participation.
The rhetoric surrounding the ceasefire has been equally troubling. During a recent press conference, President Trump threatened further military action if Hamas did not disarm, echoing sentiments from Israeli officials who have called for the immediate cessation of aid to Gaza in response to perceived violations. Such threats not only jeopardize the fragile ceasefire but also risk exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation, where starvation and famine have already reached catastrophic levels.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Israel’s actions could lead to significant shifts in diplomatic relations. The European Union, for instance, is reportedly considering sanctions against Israel, contingent on its handling of humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with aid groups emphasizing the urgent need for increased support to address the overwhelming humanitarian crisis.
In summary, the recent developments in Gaza illustrate a complex interplay of military strategy, humanitarian needs, and international diplomacy. The fragile ceasefire, while momentarily halting hostilities, has been undermined by actions that suggest a continued disregard for the plight of civilians. As the world grapples with the implications of these events, the need for a sustainable and just resolution becomes ever more pressing.
