Israeli PM Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Truce Proposal
15 March 2024, 09:33 GMT
Updated 3 hours ago
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has downplayed the chances of a truce in Gaza after Hamas gave what it called a “comprehensive vision” to mediators.
Mr Netanyahu’s office said Hamas was still “holding to unrealistic demands”. Hamas wants a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Deadly Incident Amidst Wait for Aid in Gaza
On Thursday night, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that 20 people were killed while waiting for aid. Israel, however, denies involvement and accuses armed Palestinians of firing at the crowds.
The incident occurred at the Kuwaiti roundabout on the southern outskirts of Gaza City, which often serves as a drop-off point for limited aid reaching northern Gaza. The United Nations warns that children in that area are suffering from malnutrition and the threat of famine looms.
According to the latest update from the health ministry, 155 people were injured in the incident. Gaza City’s Shifa hospital found it challenging to attend to the large and diverse injuries sustained.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it had facilitated the passage of 31 aid trucks to northern Gaza. The IDF report mentioned an attack occurring an hour before the convoy’s arrival, where armed Palestinians allegedly opened fire, observed by looting of the trucks and accidental injury due to the commotion.
New Efforts to Establish Maritime Aid Route for Gaza
Amid ongoing limitations on access, a ship towing a barge filled with 200 tonnes of food supplies has been visible off the Gaza coast in a pioneering journey aiming to establish a maritime route for aid.
The Spanish charity “Open Arms” operates a salvage vessel by the same name, towing the barge consisting of essential food items. As Gaza lacks a functional port, World Central Kitchen, a US charity involved in the operation, has been constructing a jetty to ensure the unloading of the cargo.
Although road transportation remains the fastest and most effective method to deliver aid, Israeli restrictions have severely limited the necessary supplies from entering Gaza, as affirmed by aid agencies. Israel has stated that it welcomes the creation of a maritime corridor and is actively facilitating aid transfers while maintaining its offensive against Hamas.
International Aid Efforts Resume
Australia has announced the resumption of funding to the main United Nations aid agency in Gaza, UNRWA, after a two-month pause. The US, EU, Canada, and Sweden have taken similar measures in recent weeks. However, the US, the largest donor to UNRWA, continues to withhold payment.
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, upon legal advice that UNRWA is not a terrorist organization, urged for increased food access to Gaza and implored Israel to allow greater aid inflow.
Furthermore, it was revealed by the Australian government that significant food stocks exist outside Gaza’s borders, necessitating Israel’s cooperation for large-scale delivery.
Israel has criticized aid agencies for logistical failures and maintained claims that trucks have entered Gaza but have not distributed their supplies.
Escalation of Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The current war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7, when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 casualties and the seizure of 253 hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza states that more than 31,400 people have been killed since then.
