US Envoy Proposes Ceasefire While Gaza Faces Food Crisis From Aid Theft
BEIRUT - A U.S. envoy's recent visit to Lebanon has sparked hope for potential peace between Israel and Hezbollah. Amos Hochstein, the Biden administration’s point man, stated on Tuesday, "an agreement to end the Israel-Hezbollah war is within our grasp," following discussions with Lebanese officials. Yet, the chaos of war intensifies for Gaza, where the theft of nearly 100 aid trucks has exacerbated the already dire food crisis.
Hochstein's discussions centered on establishing a ceasefire, involving the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants from areas monitored by the United Nations. This U.N. buffer zone would require thousands of additional peacekeepers and Lebanese troops to secure compliance, though Israeli officials have called for enhanced enforcement capabilities.
Meanwhile, the turmoil across the border worsens. Over the weekend, armed men looted 98 food trucks, sending food prices skyrocketing and deepening shortages. Most of the population of 2.3 million has fled their homes, seeking shelter within cramped tent camps.
Central Gaza faces steep increases; reports indicate the price of flour has spiked to over $100 per bag. "From the beginning, there are no goods, and even if they are available, there is no money," lamented one displaced local, Nora Muhanna, who returned empty-handed after hours of waiting for bread for her children. Another displaced woman, known as Umm Shadi, shared similar frustrations, echoing despair over the scarcity of basic supplies.
The U.N.’s humanitarian operation faced one of its most significant setbacks, reporting the largest single incident of aid theft since the war erupted. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted the convoy was rerouted at Israeli military instruction, only to be hijacked shortly thereafter. The motives behind the looting remain obscure; there’s no official attribution for the perpetrators. Israel holds Hamas accountable for the theft, whereas Hamas refutes the claims, emphasizing their efforts to stifle such criminal acts.
Al-Aqsa TV, affiliated with Hamas, reported their forces have begun enforcing law and order by targeting looters, killing 20 suspects. This crackdown aims to restore some semblance of stability, though remnants of the pre-war police force have dwindled significantly, as countless officers have been killed or displaced.
Experts warn of increasing famine dangers, particularly as violence persists. Reports from the northern areas suggest starvation is already becoming prevalent, with continuous Israeli military offensives affecting not just supplies but lives. The toll of these conflicts is staggering; with over 43,800 Palestinian deaths reported since Israel’s retaliatory offensive began, many civilians perish without distinction.
The humanitarian crisis took form when Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, inflicting severe casualties and taking hostages. The subsequent Israeli military response saw widespread devastation across Gaza, leading to mass dislocation and infrastructure ruin. About 90% of Gaza’s population has since fled their homes. Local health authorities state the war has impacted all societal layers, pushing many residents to the brink of malnutrition.
The situation is equally grim for Hezbollah as it retaliates against Israel’s assaults. The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands on both sides of the border, with Lebanese sources reporting 3,500 dead and almost 15,000 injured. About 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced, and tensions hold residents on edge.
Despite U.S. attempts to mediate ceasefires on two fronts, talks for a Gaza truce have stalled. Recent progress has been made with Hezbollah, but the humanitarian fallout continues. Hochstein's talks, deemed constructive, leave much to be desired as violence remains rampant.
The Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts could be nearing their conclusion, as President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions to reshape U.S. foreign policy loom. While he has set his sight on ending Middle Eastern wars, details remain scarce, creating uncertainty about future resolutions.
Moving forward, it is clear the crisis is far from resolution, as the U.S. envoy pushes for peace amid rising food demands and security challenges with regional militant groups. The humanitarian toll weighs heavily on both sides, leaving many to question what future holds.
