ALBAWABA - Israel's move to block humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza and shut down border crossings used for relief efforts has been sharply criticized by Egypt.
Hamas to release Hisham al-Sayyid without ceremony out of respect for Palestinian citizens of IsraelThe Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the action in a formal statement as a blatant breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, international humanitarian law, and the ceasefire agreement. The statement further emphasized that there is no excuse for maintaining a blockade or starving innocent civilians in order to exert pressure on the Palestinian people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Egypt called on the international community to denounce any efforts to exploit humanitarian assistance as a political negotiating chip and to intervene immediately to stop any unlawful and cruel actions directed against civilians.
Egypt Demands Commitments to a Ceasefire
The need for all sides to carry out their responsibilities under the three-phase ceasefire deal, which includes prisoner swaps and the full admission of humanitarian supplies, was reiterated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty.
He urged for quick discussions to put the second phase into effect, stressing that the first part has already been finished. "Humanitarian aid, including medical and shelter supplies, must reach Gaza without restriction, and Egypt will continue its efforts to ensure that happens," Abdel Aty said.
Amid tensions over the ceasefire, Israel suspends aid entry.
Tensions over the six-week ceasefire deal escalated on Sunday when Israel banned assistance vehicles from entering Gaza. In response to the ruling, Hamas demanded that mediators from Qatar and Egypt step in and put pressure on Israel to remove the limitations.
The suspension was confirmed by a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which said, "Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages." There will be further repercussions if Hamas doesn't comply.
Hamas reacted by denouncing Israel's activities as "cheap blackmail" and a "war crime." In order to resume the flow of humanitarian supplies, the organization called for international mediators to step in right now.
In addition, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his worries and demanded that supplies to Gaza be resumed right now. Guterres "urges all parties to prevent a return to hostilities and to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need," according to his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric.
