Gaza (Web Desk): Arab nations have criticized Israel’s decision to halt the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, condemning the move as a clear breach of international law and a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
According to international media reports, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar issued statements expressing outrage over Israel’s actions, which came just hours after the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.
On Sunday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that all goods and supplies to Gaza would be blocked, a decision that came amid stalled negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office declared that, “as of this morning, the entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip will be halted.”
This move quickly drew criticism not only from hostages' families and politicians but also from regional governments.
Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats Party, accused Netanyahu’s administration of deliberately avoiding negotiations for the second phase of the agreement, which was supposed to address the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a complete cessation of hostilities.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the decision, labeling it “a tool of blackmail and collective punishment.”
It emphasized that Israel’s actions amounted to a “blatant violation of international law” and directly contravened the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly given the severe humanitarian crisis currently facing the Palestinian population.
Egypt also issued a firm statement, condemning Israel’s closure of Gaza’s crossings used for aid and calling it a “flagrant violation” of both the ceasefire and international conventions, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The Egyptian government argued that such actions, particularly during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, were a grave injustice and called on the international community to act to end these inhumane practices.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry echoed the sentiments of its regional neighbors, labeling Israel’s actions as a direct violation of the ceasefire agreement and international law.
The spokesperson emphasized the dangers of reigniting the conflict in Gaza and underscored the need for Israel to end its use of starvation as a weapon against innocent civilians.
Jordan called on the global community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and pressure the Israeli government to abide by the terms of the ceasefire, which would include the resumption of aid shipments.
Qatar, likewise, condemned Israel’s decision, stressing that it amounted to a violation of both the ceasefire and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in wartime.
Qatar reaffirmed its strong opposition to Israel’s use of food and basic supplies as instruments of warfare, accusing Israel of deliberately starving the population of Gaza.
It called on international bodies to press Israel to ensure the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Hamas, in turn, labeled Israel’s move as “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime,” urging both mediators and the international community to apply pressure on Israel to end the blockade.
It called for action to halt what it termed as “punitive and immoral actions” against Gaza’s over two million residents.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, officially ended at midnight on Saturday. Israel has yet to engage in talks for the second phase, which Hamas insists must include a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the complete cessation of the war.
Netanyahu had attempted to extend the first phase, hoping to secure the release of more Israeli captives, but Hamas rejected this, demanding Israel adhere to the agreed-upon terms.
The conflict has resulted in massive casualties, with more than 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed since the fighting began.
The devastation in Gaza is unparalleled, with large parts of the enclave reduced to rubble. Israel’s actions have prompted significant international backlash, including war crimes investigations.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes related to the Gaza offensive.
Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its actions in the region.
