International calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza intensified over the weekend after Israel suspended the entry of assistance, citing Hamas's refusal to accept proposed extensions of the ceasefire agreement. Following the expiration of the first phase of this agreement, which was established on January 19, 2025, the humanitarian situation has once again come under scrutiny, with calls from various international leaders demanding immediate access to support the beleaguered population of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on March 2, 2025, the indefinite halt to humanitarian aid entering Gaza, which had previously flowed through under ceasefire conditions. "With the completion of the first phase of the agreement concerning hostages and due to Hamas's rejection of the Witkoff plan for continuation of negotiations, we have decided to suspend all supplies to the Gaza Strip," read the official announcement.
Hamas quickly condemned the Israeli government's stance, with accusations flying back and forth. A senior Hamas official criticized the halt as "petty coercion, war crimes, and blatant violations of the ceasefire agreement.” The Palestinian group declared its commitment to releasing remaining hostages only as per the terms of the agreed-upon phases of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's decision as a "gross violation of the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law." The statement asserted, "This decision constitutes clear aggression against the Palestinian people by using famine as a weapon." The ministry's remarks reflect increased tensions over the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza.
Similarly, the Saudi Arabian government sharply criticized the Israeli action, labelling it collective punishment. “We condemn and denounce the Israeli occupation government’s decision to obstruct the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza and to use it as coercion and collective punishment,” noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
From the international community, there have been urgent pleas for restoring aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a notable appeal for immediate resumption of humanitarian assistance, citing the dire plight faced by over two million people living under precarious conditions. He described the Israeli decision as "alarming" and emphasized, "International humanitarian law is clear: we must be allowed access to deliver necessary and lifesaving aid."
Tom Fletcher, the UN humanitarian coordinator, echoed Guterres's concerns, insisting on the importance of maintaining the progress achieved over the last 42 days during the ceasefire. He stressed, "We cannot destroy the progress made and the commencement of this truce. We must bring aid and release hostages. The ceasefire must hold."
Since the start of the conflict triggered by Hamas's assault on October 7, 2023, thousands of civilians have faced acute shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities. COVID-19 and other health concerns have compounded these struggles, underscoring the need for urgent humanitarian response.
The plight of Gaza's civilian population has captured global attention, and as tensions mount, calls for international actors to broker peace and restore humanitarian access become more pronounced. The resolution of these issues is thought to be pivotal not only for immediate aid delivery but also for the longevity of peace agreements and efforts to rebuild Gaza.
Current indications show the situation remains tense, with both the Israeli government and Hamas standing firm on their positions. Any movement forward relies heavily on international pressure and negotiation attempts to facilitate humanitarian relief and prevent the escalation of conflict.
With humanitarian agencies warning of catastrophic conditions facing more than two million people suffering from malnutrition and rampant diseases, the urgency of restoring humanitarian aid cannot be overstated. The coming days will reveal whether diplomatic efforts can succeed against the backdrop of continuing strife.