The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced a “tactical pause” in military activity in some areas of Gaza, amid growing international pressure over the starvation crisis in the region. The fighting pause, welcomed by the United Nations, aims to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, humanitarian workers have expressed concerns that the short-notice aid windows may not be sufficient to address the dire needs of the Palestinian population.
The Israeli military has also designated “secure routes” for UN and aid agency convoys to deliver food and medicine across Gaza. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with six more Palestinians dying from starvation in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to at least 133 since October 2023.
Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the use of aid airdrops, with Jordan and the UAE dropping more aid into Gaza following Israel’s airdrops. Humanitarian groups have sharply criticized this method, citing its expense, inefficiency, and danger.
US President Donald Trump has blamed Hamas for the breakdown in Gaza ceasefire talks, echoing his administration’s claim that the militant group had not been “acting in good faith” during negotiations. “They had a routine discussion the other day, and all of a sudden they hardened up,” Trump said, criticizing Hamas for using hostages as leverage in negotiations.
Trump added that Hamas doesn’t want to give back its remaining captives because it would mean “the end” of the group. “I said, when you get it down to a certain number, you’re not going to be able to make a deal with Hamas, because once they give (the hostages) up, then they feel that that’s going to be the end of them,” Trump said.
The US recalled its negotiating team from Doha last week, where talks on a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza had been taking place. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said the latest response from Hamas “clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire.” Hamas officials, however, claimed a breakthrough was “close” and expressed surprise at the US description of events.