Israel bans all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza during Ramadan

Palestinians in Gaza once again face the fear of widespread hunger and starvation as Israel has blocked aid into the enclave during the holy month of Ramadan, with water resources and food already scarce. The UN and Arab countries have slammed Israel for violating international humanitarian law.

Residents living in tents amid the rubble expressed fear that the limited food, water, and medical supplies delivered in recent weeks might be the last, as Israeli authorities continue to bar humanitarian aid from entering war-torn Gaza.

“Frankly, since the beginning of the war, they have been trying to starve us, and we fear the people will starve due to the lack of aid and food supplies,” Al Jazeera quoted a Palestinian man as saying.

“People are afraid of the return of war and facing death again,” he added.

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Fears of humanitarian aid shortages have caused a sharp rise in commodity prices.

Sayed Mohamed al-Dairi also attributed the crisis to panic buying, stating that everyone was stocking up on food supplies out of fear.

However, he added, “The market traders are exploiting us and are not merciful, the price of sugar was 5 shekels in the morning,” It was increased to double to “10 shekels [$2.8] now.”

Notably, Israel blocked all humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension. 

Hamas spokesperson described the action as “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” on the truce agreement and urged mediators to intervene.

However, Israel faced severe criticism over stopping the entry and other supplies as mediators Qatar and Egypt accused Israel of violating humanitarian law by using starvation as a weapon.

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The ceasefire’s first phase saw a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza after long-growing hunger during the war. 

However, the negotiations on the second phase were meant to start were meant to start a month ago but have not begun so far. 

Israel announced a new US proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and the Jewish Passover holiday. Hamas rejected Israel’s proposal, insisting that the second phase of the truce should proceed as originally agreed upon.