Peace Talks Struggle to Halt Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
As Gaza’s destruction mounts, peace talks falter amid clashing demands between Israel and Hamas deepening humanitarian needs.Gaza is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises of the modern era. More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023 after Hamas’ terrorist attack, with more than 121,950 injured. Nearly 90 percent of the territory’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many now living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to food, water, or medical care.
The physical devastation is staggering. A joint report by the United Nations and the World Bank estimates damages to Gaza’s infrastructure at 18.5 billion dollars, almost equivalent to the combined GDP of Gaza and the West Bank. Sixty-two percent of all housing units have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving more than one million people without homes. Health care infrastructure has collapsed, with 84 percent of hospitals and clinics no longer functioning. Schools are shut, leaving more than 625,000 students without access to education. The destruction of water and sanitation systems has triggered a surge in disease, worsening the humanitarian emergency. The international response has focused on calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. However, deliveries of aid remain limited due to Israel’s blockade and restrictions at the Egyptian border. Human rights organizations continue to warn of violations of international law, including indiscriminate strikes on civilian areas. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue but have struggled to achieve progress. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are promoting a new ceasefire proposal that calls for a 60-day pause in fighting, Israeli troop pullbacks, large-scale humanitarian aid deliveries, and phased hostage releases. Under this plan, Hamas would release ten living hostages and several bodies in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. The proposal also outlines a framework for negotiations toward a long-term truce. At the time of this writing, both sides remain far apart on key issues. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It has also offered to transfer governance to an independent Palestinian committee that would oversee reconstruction. Israel’s government maintains that Hamas must be disarmed or destroyed before the conflict can end. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will retain control over Gaza for the foreseeable future. This fundamental gap continues to block agreement. Hamas fears that releasing the remaining hostages without securing a permanent ceasefire would allow Israel to resume its military campaign. Israel, meanwhile, fears that an early withdrawal could enable Hamas to regroup and remain influential in Gaza. |