The G7 foreign ministers have called for unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire in the region. This appeal comes as Israel has been blocking aid to pressure Hamas into extending the truce. The situation highlights a potential shift in US policy under President Trump, who previously did not support such measures. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underscored the necessity of ensuring access to essential resources like water and electricity to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
Currently, there is disagreement between Israel and Hamas on the terms of the ceasefire. Israel demands a complete demilitarization of the area and the withdrawal of Hamas, while Hamas insists on immediate negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire. Despite the expiration of the initial truce, it largely holds, but tensions remain high.
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe has echoed the G7's call, criticizing Israel's blockade and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Reconstruction efforts are stalled, and previous US plans for relocating Palestinians have been rejected.
Amid ongoing negotiations, the US is exerting pressure on Hamas to release hostages, including a US-Israeli dual citizen, under a proposed ceasefire framework. However, both the US and Israel have rejected Hamas' conditions, viewing them as impractical. The first ceasefire saw hostages exchanged, but Hamas still retains several individuals and remains. Talks in Doha continue, aiming to extend the ceasefire and resolve these complex issues.
