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Israel blocks humanitarian aid to Gaza: Netanyahu, “There will be no free lunches”

Israel suspends aid to Gaza after ceasefire agreement ends. The move raises concerns among humanitarian organizations and the United Nations

Israel has decided to suspend the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, a move that comes after the termination of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of Palestinian hostages and prisoners. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, which justified the blockade in response to Hamas’ refusal to accept the terms of a proposed U.S.-proposed agreement for continued negotiations.

Netanyahu’s decision and political motivations

According to the official memo released by the Israeli government, the suspension of aid followed the completion of the first phase of the hostage deal. “With Hamas’ refusal to join the proposed framework for negotiations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided to block the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip,” the statement reads.

In a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu further defended his position, stating that there would be no concessions to Hamas. “There will be no free lunches,” he said, stressing that if the Palestinian organization believes it can continue to benefit from a cease-fire without returning Israeli hostages, it is mistaken. Netanyahu also warned that there could be “further consequences” if Hamas does not accept Israeli conditions.

Hamas accusations and international concerns

Hamas’ reaction was not long in coming. The organization accused Israel of wanting to starve the population of the Gaza Strip by blocking the entry of food and medicine. “Israel is ignoring international law,” said a Hamas spokesman, arguing that the aid blockade is a clear violation of human rights.

In response, international organizations raised strong concerns. Thomas Fletcher, head of the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs, stressed that international law requires Israel to ensure access to vital aid for the people of Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the immediate return of aid, urging all parties involved to do everything possible to prevent a return to hostilities.

Doctors Without Borders also condemned the decision, saying the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of pressure is unacceptable. Caroline Seguin, MSF’s Gaza emergency manager, said the decision will have devastating consequences for the population, already hard hit by the conflict.

The aid that has already entered and the Israeli authorities’ estimate

Despite the blockade, Israeli authorities claim that the humanitarian aid that has already entered the Gaza Strip is sufficient to cover the population’s needs for the next five months. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed international concerns about the risk of famine, calling claims of an impending food crisis “a lie.” According to Sa’ar, the aid provided so far is more than adequate and there would be no immediate shortages.

Prospects for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel’s decision to halt aid has fueled fears that the peace process between Hamas and the Jewish state could be compromised. The second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of more Israeli hostages, could be jeopardized by this blockade.

Netanyahu’s words made it clear that Israel intends to maintain a hard line against Hamas. However, international organizations and the United Nations will continue to press for humanitarian rights to be respected and for the crisis in the Gaza Strip not to escalate further.

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