GAZA CITY: As the current ceasefire in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza approached its scheduled expiration, efforts have intensified to extend the truce between Israel and Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Israel to advocate for the continuation of the pause in fighting, while UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged a more lasting ceasefire, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Guterres described the situation in Gaza as an “epic humanitarian catastrophe” after seven weeks of intense bombing, leaving buildings in ruins and residents facing shortages of essential supplies. The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, has provided a temporary halt to hostilities, resulting in the release of 60 Israeli hostages and 180 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas Willing to Extend Gaza Truce
Hamas, a key player in the conflict, expressed its willingness to extend the truce for four days, with a source noting that during this period, the group could release Israeli prisoners held by various factions, aligning with the terms of the existing truce.
Despite the temporary respite, tensions remain high, with reports of an eight-year-old boy and a teenager shot and killed by the Israeli army in the occupied West Bank. The situation in Gaza is described as catastrophic, with warnings of a high risk of famine if access to food is not sustained.
Humanitarian agencies stress that the aid entering Gaza under the truce deal is insufficient, emphasizing the urgent need for more substantial support. Over 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced, representing over half of the territory’s population, according to the United Nations.
