The Israeli government has delayed the distribution of humanitarian aid due to a slow response from Hamas in returning the bodies of deceased hostages. The militant group has cited difficulties in locating these bodies, which has raised concerns among families and the international community. As tensions escalate, Hamas has notably regained control in urban areas of the Gaza Strip following the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops last week.
On March 4, 2024, a disturbing video surfaced showing Hamas fighters forcibly executing seven men in a public square in Gaza City. The video depicted the men with their hands bound, being shot while onlookers viewed from nearby shopfronts. A Hamas source confirmed that the video was recorded on that day, and the presence of identifiable geographic features allowed Reuters to verify the location.
Under the recent geopolitical developments, former President Donald Trump has expressed support for Hamas to re-establish its influence in the region, at least temporarily. Israeli officials have maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing that any eventual resolution must include the complete disarmament of Hamas. So far, they have refrained from public comments regarding the militant group’s resurgence.
In a significant exchange on March 4, 2024, President Joe Biden addressed the Israeli parliament, heralding what he termed the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” This event coincided with the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Despite this progress, Hamas has only transferred four coffins of deceased hostages, leaving 23 individuals presumed dead and one unaccounted for within the enclave.
Hamas has informed mediators that it plans to deliver an additional four bodies to Israel later today, according to an official involved in the negotiation process. While Israeli authorities anticipated some delays in the recovery effort, families of the hostages expressed their disappointment that only four of the 28 bodies had been returned. The Hostages Family Forum, representing many affected families, described this delay as a “blatant violation of the agreement by Hamas.”
Gal Hirsch, the Israeli official coordinating the hostage return, reassured families in a note that international mediators are applying pressure on Hamas to expedite the recovery process. Yet, the humanitarian situation remains dire, as aid trucks have not been allowed to enter Gaza at the expected pace of hundreds per day. Plans for opening the crossing to Egypt to facilitate medical evacuations for the wounded have yet to be implemented.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Gaza have reported a visible presence of Hamas fighters, who are reportedly deploying along routes essential for aid deliveries. Recent clashes between Hamas fighters and rival groups have reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities. Moreover, Israeli drone strikes have claimed the lives of five individuals in the suburbs east of Gaza City, while another airstrike near Khan Younis killed one person and injured another, according to local health authorities.
Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire, while the Israeli military has stated that it fired upon individuals who crossed designated truce lines and approached their forces after ignoring warnings to retreat. In response to recent tensions, Hamas has declared it will not tolerate further violations and will target collaborators, armed looters, and drug dealers.
Despite being significantly weakened after two years of intense Israeli bombardments and ground incursions, Hamas is gradually reasserting its influence since the ceasefire was established. The group has mobilized hundreds of workers to clear rubble from key routes, aiming to restore access to damaged housing and repair essential water infrastructure.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram noted that while some aid is entering Gaza, including tents, winter clothing, and hygiene kits, she anticipates a substantial increase in aid deliveries later this week. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis continue to exacerbate the challenges faced by the residents of the Gaza Strip.
