In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would dispatch its own negotiators to Qatar this coming Sunday. They will participate in negotiations with Hamas, which has already indicated its willingness to negotiate a U.S.-sponsored plan for a 60-day ceasefire. This development comes amid ongoing airstrikes by Israel in Gaza, following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians. The war has resulted in the extra-judicial abduction of 251 people.
Each day, the situation in Gaza gets more and more desperate, with humanitarians saying conditions are catastrophic for those residents who remain. Today, the best estimates indicate that as many as 50 hostages are still alive and in Gaza. Unfortunately, because of the persistence of violence, fewer than 40 of them are still alive. The humanitarian conditions are appalling. According to reports, the military campaign led by Israel has resulted in over 57,000 deaths in Gaza, with the vast majority (90%) being civilians.
Even amid the hope for negotiations, Israel continued its military assault, conducting cycle after cycle of airstrikes throughout the region. Israel has largely kept an 11-week blockade in place since a ceasefire unraveled in March. In retort, this tit-for-tat move only serves to further ratchet up the tension. Although the blockade was fully lifted, it was only partially lifted. Unfortunately, this is only facilitating a trickle of food aid and medical supplies into Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, insists on controlling the water distribution system by itself and not allowing the United Nations or any other foreign organizations to manage it.
Humanitarian workers on the ground are calling urgently for an immediate ceasefire. Supplies of fuel—which NGOs use to run their facilities—are absolutely depleted in Gaza. One worker from Deir al-Balah expressed the severity of the situation:
“We are pretty much down to about half a day’s worth. When that is gone, everything has to shut down.” – Humanitarian worker in Deir al-Balah
This increases a pattern of violence that has not only targeted civilians but those bringing humanitarian assistance. Just recently two American contractors were severely injured while attempting to partner with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Terrorists from Hamas targeted them with grenades as they went into southern Gaza to help a UN distribution operation. The GHF has managed to deliver tens of millions of meals under challenging conditions, emphasizing their commitment to providing assistance in “safety and security.”
Netanyahu’s going to Washington this Sunday. He will meet with former president Donald Trump, a man who would like to see the current bloodshed in Gaza come to an end. Climate negotiations have only just begun in Qatar. Still, UN and other international observers are remaining wary about the possibility of reaching a permanent settlement during the continued fighting.
The humanitarian situation is tragic. Most aid organizations cannot work safely due to continued blockades and security attacks. Tammy Bruce, a political commentator, commented on the violence directed at humanitarian workers:
“This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas.” – Tammy Bruce
As both sides prepare for potential negotiations, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to an end to hostilities and a return to stability in the region.