Ramadan began at the weekend, and Muslims around the world are now engaged in a month of fasting, extra prayers and communal gatherings. In Gaza, though, there is no festive spirit. With Israel's continued blockade and its decision to block humanitarian aid, Palestinians are again facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Despite Israel's announcement that it had agreed to US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff's proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas during Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that all humanitarian aid into Gaza would be blocked. This move is intended to put pressure on Hamas to extend the now-expired first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed in January. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has stressed that international humanitarian law mandates the unhindered access of humanitarian assistance, and has described Israel's decision as alarming.
Ramadan began at the weekend, and Muslims around the world are now engaged in a month of fasting, extra prayers and communal gatherings. In Gaza, though, there is no festive spirit. With Israel's continued blockade and its decision to block humanitarian aid, Palestinians are again facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Despite Israel's announcement that it had agreed to US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff's proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas during Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that all humanitarian aid into Gaza would be blocked. This move is intended to put pressure on Hamas to extend the now-expired first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed in January. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has stressed that international humanitarian law mandates the unhindered access of humanitarian assistance, and has described Israel's decision as alarming.
Since the agreement began, Israel has repeatedly violated the truce, killing 116 Palestinians and wounding nearly 500. Moreover, Israel delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, despite Hamas fulfilling its commitment by freeing six Israelis last month. These continued violations over the past two months have fuelled concerns that Israel intends to escalate the conflict, further endangering millions of lives already on the brink of famine, with nearly no access to healthcare or housing.
Even before Israel's latest announcement, images from Gaza have laid bare the brutal realities of war, despite the ceasefire. As Muslims around the world go through Ramadan knowing that food and water are available to break their daily fast, Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to find the bare necessities to survive. While families have made attempts to mark the holy month, with tables of food set out among the ruins in Rafah and Beit Lahia, for example, as symbols of resilience and hope, their efforts are overshadowed by the worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel's decision to further restrict aid has already caused a surge in prices, leaving many unable to afford food as they brace for a potential escalation....