Cease-fire talks in Cairo end without breakthrough, humanitarian crisis intensifies
Cease-fire negotiations in Cairo between Hamas and mediators end without agreement, intensifying the humanitarian emergency in Gaza ahead of Ramadan
The latest round of cease-fire talks in Cairo, aimed at halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza, concluded today without reaching a breakthrough. This stalemate occurs just days before the start of Ramadan, exacerbating the region’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim informed Reuters that the militant group had presented its cease-fire proposal during the two-day discussions. However, they await a response from Israel, which did not send representatives to this round of talks.
Naim accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reluctance in seeking a resolution, stating, “Netanyahu doesn’t want to reach an agreement, and the ball now is in the Americans’ court.”
These talks were crucial, as they were intended to establish the war’s first significant cease-fire – a 40-day truce. This period would allow for the release of numerous hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza, critical for averting a man-made famine ahead of Ramadan.
Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains dire, with increasing reports of malnutrition and food scarcity.
Diaa al-Shaer, a nurse at Al-Awda clinic in Rafah, described the influx of emaciated children, saying, “We will face a large number of patients who suffer from this, which is malnutrition.”
The plight of toddlers like Ahmed Cannan, who has lost half his weight since the war began, highlights the urgency of the crisis.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) has raised alarms over the impending risk to approximately 5,500 newborns in the coming month whose mothers lack essential prenatal and postnatal care. Furthermore, UNICEF has reported that over 90% of children and pregnant, breastfeeding women are facing severe food poverty.
Israel maintains that it is willing to allow more aid into Gaza through controlled checkpoints, blaming the U.N. and other agencies for inadequate distribution. However, these agencies argue that the lack of law and order makes wide-scale distribution unfeasible.
Amid these challenges, tensions have risen between Israel and the United Nations following Israel’s recall of its ambassador over delayed responses to allegations of sexual assault by Hamas militants. The U.N. has defended itself against accusations of trying to suppress related reports.
The breakdown of the cease-fire talks in Cairo signals a continuation of the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the need for a resolution becomes increasingly urgent, yet peace remains elusive.
Source: Newsroom
