Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to allow more humanitarian aid into the heavily damaged Gaza region, as reported by Qatari mediators.
This agreement, facilitated by Qatar and France, encompasses the distribution of medicines to individuals detained by Hamas. In this arrangement, Israel will allow a greater influx of essential supplies into Gaza.
The region’s conditions have worsened following more than three months of Israeli offensives. The United States is optimistic about ongoing negotiations potentially leading to the release of more captives.
The U.S. envoy to the Middle East has been in Qatar to discuss the feasibility of such an agreement, as stated by John Kirby, National Security Spokesperson for the White House, this Tuesday.
Kirby characterized the negotiations as ‘extremely serious and comprehensive,’ expressing hope for a positive outcome in the near future.
Majed Al Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, recently made an announcement regarding the aid agreement.
According to the agreement, humanitarian supplies will leave Doha, Qatar, for Egypt this Wednesday and will then be transported to Gaza for distribution to civilians, along with medical supplies meant for Israeli captives.
It is estimated that over 132 individuals are still in captivity in Gaza. Approximately 240 individuals were captured by Hamas during operations in southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in around 1,300 deaths, mainly of civilians.
In a letter to Israel’s war cabinet following the ceasefire last year, the Hostages Families HQ group emphasized the critical medical needs of numerous captives, some in life-threatening conditions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently disclosed that David Barnea, the head of Mossad, had initiated talks with Qatar to secure necessary medical supplies. On Tuesday, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in this effort.
Hamas’s attacks in October precipitated a rigorous Israeli bombardment of Gaza, leading to over 24,000 fatalities, predominantly women and children, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.
According to Palestinian officials, about 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. Even with improved aid access, the UN’s humanitarian chief has labeled the situation as ‘unbearable’.
There is growing international pressure on Israel to consider a ceasefire in Gaza due to the extensive civilian suffering.
The United States, a firm ally of Israel and supporter of its right to self-defense, has repeatedly informed Prime Minister Netanyahu of its concerns regarding the high number of civilian deaths.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, referencing UN statistics, highlighted that 90% of the population is experiencing acute food scarcity. He emphasized, “For children, the effects of long periods without sufficient food can have lifelong consequences.”
“More food, more water, more medicine, other essential goods need to get into Gaza.”
