The United Nations called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza on Monday. The UN expressed strong disapproval of the continued attacks by Israel, and denial of access to essential services for the entire population, emphasizing that such conditions are unacceptable. The statement was released by the Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, based in UN Geneva.

Netanyahu considering “little pauses” for aid deliveries

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the other hand stated that they are open to considering “tactical little pauses”, in the conflict in Gaza to allow aid deliveries and hostage releases. However, he once again dismissed calls for a general ceasefire, despite increasing international pressure.

Also Read

During an interview on U.S. television, Netanyahu expressed that Israel would need to assume security responsibility over the Palestinian enclave for an “indefinite period” post-war.

When asked about the possibility of humanitarian pauses in the fighting, an idea supported by the United States, Netanyahu argued that a general ceasefire would impede Israel’s war efforts.

Hamas refuses to release hostages

Israel and Hamas, the group in control of Gaza, have both rejected increasing international pressure for a ceasefire. Israel insists that hostages taken by Hamas during their attack in southern Israel on October 7 must be released before a ceasefire is considered. Meanwhile, Hamas maintains that it will neither release the hostages nor cease fighting as long as Gaza is under attack.

Following the attack in which Hamas killed 1,400 people in Israel and took more than 240 hostages, Israel has carried out airstrikes, imposed a blockade, and launched a ground assault on Gaza. These actions have raised global concerns about the humanitarian conditions in the region.

Also Read

According to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled enclave, the conflict has resulted in the death of at least 10,022 Palestinians, including 4,104 children.

(With Agency Inputs)