On Sunday, the European Union (EU) strongly criticized Hamas for rejecting an extension of the initial ceasefire agreement in Gaza, warning that this decision, coupled with Israel’s subsequent move to halt humanitarian aid, could have serious repercussions for civilians.
“The EU condemns the refusal of Hamas to accept the extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” the EU said, adding that “Israel’s subsequent decision to block the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza could potentially result in humanitarian consequences.”
With growing alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the EU urged for the immediate restart of talks on a second phase of the ceasefire. The EU’s statement reaffirmed its firm support for those acting as intermediaries in pursuit of a lasting truce.
“A permanent ceasefire would contribute to the release of all remaining Israeli hostages while ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza to begin,” the EU emphasized. “All parties have a political responsibility to make this a reality.”
The EU also restated its demand for “full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need” and urged the relevant authorities to “allow and facilitate humanitarian workers and international organizations to operate effectively and safely inside Gaza.”
Additionally, the EU reminded that its civilian Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) is prepared to resume operations should it be requested.
“Thanks to its presence, nearly 3,000 people have so far crossed the border into Egypt since 1 February,” the EU noted.
This statement followed Israel’s announcement that it would cease the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a response to Hamas’s refusal to accept US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated on Sunday morning that his group would not release the Israeli hostages held in Gaza unless it was part of an exchange agreement that would be negotiated during the second phase of the ceasefire talks.
Overnight, the Prime Minister’s Office declared that Israel had agreed to accept Witkoff’s proposal.
As part of the deal, half of the hostages—whether dead or alive—would return to Israel on the first day of the agreement, and if a permanent ceasefire is achieved by the end of the period, the rest of the hostages, living or dead, will be returned to Israel.
Witkoff’s proposal was made with the understanding that there is currently no way to resolve the differences between Israel and Hamas regarding the end of the war, and additional time is required for discussions on a permanent ceasefire.
{Matzav.com}
Blah blah blah. Once again, the ohr-aineklach of the Nazis and their supporters are equating Israel and Hamas. Fregs nisht!
There has never been any excuse to take civilians hostage. No moral code accepts this. Those that are so obsessed with such barbaric practices cannot change, cannot manage a sovereign nation, and cannot participate in diplomacy. They can only be exterminated completely. There should be no ceasefire or negotiation. Only the ultimatum. Release all hostages immediately or face immediate elimination.
Trust the EU to jump at Israel on the threat of withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza. So they mumble lip service about ceasefire and hostages. Starve those wretches in Gaza and you will see results! Israel should never have allowed even one morsel of food into Gaza after 7/10. The outcome would probably have been much better for the hostages. Not to mention how many soldiers’ precious lives would have been saved.
They got things completely wrong. First eliminate Hamas. Then send aid. Only in that order. Otherwise, Hamas takes the aid and starves the civilians. That would be a special kind of stupid.
The Israeli government signed a ceasefire agreement in January, why are they now seeking to change it? They should honour the deal they signed. If they won’t honour the January ceasefire agreement, why would anyone expect them to honour any new deal?