Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have seemingly abandoned negotiations with Hamas, declaring that the Palestinian group is not committed to reaching a deal. During a press conference on Friday, Netanyahu stated that Israel is now exploring “alternative” strategies to secure the release of hostages taken during recent hostilities. Trump echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Hamas leaders would be “hunted down,” signaling a shift away from diplomatic solutions amid rising international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As tensions escalate, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would be the first major Western power to officially recognize an independent Palestinian state. In contrast, the governments of Britain and Germany have indicated they are not prepared to take similar action at this time. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also criticized Israel’s military operations, stating that Foreign Minister Penny Wong would not dismiss the possibility of recognizing Palestine at the United Nations in September.
On Thursday, both Israel and the United States withdrew their delegations from ceasefire talks in Qatar, shortly after Hamas responded to a proposed truce. Initially, it was suggested that the Israeli withdrawal was a routine consultation, but Netanyahu’s recent comments indicated a hardened stance. US envoy Steve Witkoff attributed the stalemate to Hamas, a view that Netanyahu supported.
In response, senior Hamas official Basem Naim remarked on Facebook that the negotiations had been constructive but criticized Witkoff’s remarks as an attempt to pressure Israel. He asserted that their proposals could lead to a deal if Israel showed genuine willingness to engage. The proposed ceasefire would pause hostilities for 60 days, facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and involve the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Disagreements over troop withdrawals and the future of the situation post-ceasefire have hampered progress.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels. International aid organizations report that mass hunger has now affected the territory’s 2.2 million residents, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade and recent military actions. Although the Israeli military has agreed to allow some aid airdrops into Gaza, Hamas has dismissed these efforts as insufficient. “The Gaza Strip does not need flying aerobatics; it needs an open humanitarian corridor and a steady daily flow of aid trucks to save what remains of the lives of besieged, starving civilians,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office.
Over the past 24 hours, reports indicate that nine Palestinians have died from malnutrition or starvation, adding to the mounting toll of casualties amidst ongoing violence. Since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israeli towns, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed nearly 60,000 individuals in Gaza, according to local health officials.
Israel has faced criticism from various quarters regarding Macron’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, with Netanyahu labeling it a “reward for terrorism.” European nations like Britain and Germany have maintained their longstanding commitment to a negotiated peace process leading to Palestinian statehood but have remained cautious about immediate recognition.
In Germany, a spokesperson emphasized that the security of Israel is paramount, indicating that there are no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the near term. British minister Peter Kyle stated on Sky News, “We want Palestinian statehood, we desire it… But right now, today, we’ve got to focus on what will ease the suffering, and it is extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza that has to be the priority for us today.”
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, urging for a resolution to the humanitarian crisis and a renewed focus on peace efforts.
