The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, is pushing for Israel to open more crossings into Gaza, citing the critical need for increased humanitarian aid as the ceasefire hangs in the balance. This plea follows Israel's warnings to limit supplies over Hamas's delay in returning the bodies of deceased hostages.
Fletcher emphasized that both Israel and Hamas must adhere to terms of the ceasefire agreement, stressing the importance of not wasting the progress achieved through a recent US-brokered deal.
As tensions escalated over hostages' remains, the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza remains largely closed, leading to a surge in food stockpiling and price hikes among Gaza residents wary of potential unrest.
Despite the ceasefire allowing some humanitarian aid into Gaza, Israel has signaled a restriction of further supplies if Hamas fails to return all deceased hosts’ bodies promptly. Seven bodies have been returned, but ongoing delays fuel public outrage in Israel, where families are calling for more immediate actions from Hamas.
Fletcher remarked that humanitarian aid should not be used as a bargaining chip. In addition, growing reports of violence within Gaza have deepened the crisis, prompting calls for a peaceful resolution for the region.
As aid continues to trickle in, many residents worry the current ceasefire won't last, driving up demand for essential food supplies, which traders are hoarding, further exacerbating the crisis.
