Hopes for peace in Gaza have taken another hit. A senior Hamas leader says there’s “no point” in talking about a new ceasefire or releasing hostages.
This came after Israel announced plans to intensify its military actions in Gaza— with plans that may include ceasing all of the Palestinian territory indefinitely.
Israel says the goal is to bring home hostages taken by Hamas and defeat the group completely. The Israeli military said it will launch a bigger operation soon, which could involve taking over all of Gaza, displacing millions, and taking over aid after a two month blockade which is said to have caused severe food shortages.
This new offensive won’t begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump visits the region next week. Israeli officials called this delay a “window of opportunity” for Hamas to make a deal, but Hamas’s response suggests they are not interested.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that more fighting and a longer military presence in Gaza would lead to more civilian deaths and more destruction. Aid groups also say the situation is becoming unbearable. They warn that without changes, many people in Gaza could starve.
Israel stopped all aid going into Gaza on March 2. The offensive restarted two weeks later after a temporary ceasefire ended. Israel says Hamas is stealing aid, a claim Hamas denies.
The UN says Israel is required by international law to make sure food and medical help reaches people in Gaza. Israel says it is following the law and that there’s no real shortage of aid—but aid agencies strongly disagree. They refuse to work under Israel’s new plan to deliver aid through military zones, saying it breaks humanitarian rules.
Meanwhile, world leaders are worried. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron said a new peace process is needed. President Trump said the U.S. will help provide food, but didn’t share details. He blames Hamas for making it hard to deliver aid.
This war began after Hamas launched a deadly attack into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel began its military campaign. So far, more than 52,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to local health officials, including over 2,400 since the fighting restarted.
With no ceasefire in sight, the people of Gaza continue to face bombs, hunger, and fear—while the world asks, how much more can they endure?
Written by Kelly Were.
