A senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim, has stated that there’s no point in pursuing further talks on a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal due to Israel’s expanded offensive plans. The Israeli military aims to decisively defeat Hamas, capture Gaza, displace most of its population, and control aid distribution.
Naim rejected new proposals, citing Israel’s continued “starvation war” against Gaza. Israel cut off aid deliveries on March 2 and resumed its offensive after a two-month ceasefire collapse, accusing Hamas of stealing and storing aid.
UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that expanded Israeli ground operations would lead to more civilian casualties and destruction. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern, calling for a renewed peace process.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced plans to help supply food to Gaza, stating, “People are starving and we’re going to help them get some food.” However, aid agencies warn that mass starvation is imminent without a policy change.
The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including:
– Severe Food Shortages: 2.2 million people in Gaza face food insecurity at emergency levels.
– Water Crisis: People receive only half of the required liters of water per day, with children drinking from puddles.
– Healthcare Collapse: 70-80% of all buildings in northern Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and the healthcare system has totally collapsed.
– Disease Outbreaks: Gaza faces outbreaks of infectious diseases, including diarrhea, scabies, and hepatitis.
The Gaza Strip has seen at least 52,567 people killed since the conflict began, with 2,459 deaths since the Israeli offensive resumed.
