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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Israel Suspends Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Launches New Strikes Amid Ceasefire Violation Accusations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated as Israel halts the supply of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and launches fresh strikes, accusing the Palestinian group of breaching a US-brokered ceasefire. The developments come as US Vice-President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to arrive in Israel for discussions on the ceasefire agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel has suspended the supply of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip "until further notice" following what it claims is a breach of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas.
  • At least 11 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave, according to residents in Gaza and local health authorities.
  • The Israeli military has launched strikes against Hamas targets, including an anti-tank missile and gunfire towards IDF troops in Rafah.
  • Hamas has carried out "multiple attacks" against Israeli troops beyond the agreed withdrawal line, including an RPG shot and sniper fire against military forces.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas's violations of the ceasefire.
  • Israel's hawkish minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for an immediate end to the ceasefire and a "maximum force" response to Hamas's actions.
  • Hamas has rejected allegations of breaching the ceasefire, describing them as "false" and part of "Israeli propaganda."
  • The ceasefire has been strained by Hamas's delayed return of hostages to Israel and Israel's decision to keep the Rafah crossing shut to humanitarian aid.
  • Israel has threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing closed until Hamas fulfills its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.
  • Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased, but the process of recovering corpses buried under rubble is ongoing.

Statistics:

  • 11 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the Gaza Strip.
  • 47 violations have been committed by Israel since the ceasefire deal, leaving 38 dead and 143 wounded, according to the government media office in Gaza.
  • Two deceased hostages have been identified as Ronen Engel and Suntaya Akrasi, both killed during the October 7 attack on the Gaza border.
  • 28 deceased hostages remain to be returned by Hamas as part of its ceasefire role.
  • All 20 live hostages have been returned to Israel by Hamas.

Sources:

  • "Israel suspends humanitarian aid to Gaza after 'ceasefire breach' accused by Hamas." Sky News, March [no date].
  • "Israel launches new airstrikes on Gaza after 'ceasefire breach' accused by Hamas." The Independent, March [no date].
  • "US state department accuses Hamas of planning 'imminent' attack on civilians in Gaza." The Independent, March [no date].
  • "Hamas rejects allegations of breaching ceasefire, describes them as 'false' and part of 'Israeli propaganda'." The Independent, March [no date].
  • "Gaza: Israeli airstrikes and tank fire kill at least 11 people." BBC News, March [no date].

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