As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza teeters in the balance, Hamas released a lengthy document of what it says is serial violations of the agreement by Israel. The ceasefire, negotiated in January in conjunction with a prisoner-exchange deal, was intended to grant a semblance of relief to battered Gaza Strip. However, Hamas spokespeople insist that Israel has been in default of its commitments, specifically in providing unrestricted humanitarian relief to the strip.
The document, released to Palestine Chronicle and other media outlets by a representative of Hamas, lists 269 incidents of alleged violations between January 19 and February 11. The violations are grouped in five themes: Field Violations, Prisoners, Humanitarian Aid, Denial of Necessary Medical Supplies, and Political Violations. Each of these themes lists specific actions—and inactions—that Hamas says violated the letter and spirit of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli forces, says the document, repeatedly carried out military exercises in close proximity to the Gaza perimeter, involving intrusions in closed areas. Such actions, says Hamas, heightened tensions and threatened to destroy the fragile calm. There has also been reports of live fire at Palestinian fishermen and farmers, destabilizing on-the-ground situations even more.
The prisoner exchange component was the linchpin of the ceasefire agreement. On the other hand, Hamas alleges that Israel delayed the release of certain Palestinian detainees and imposed new conditions that were not offered in the first place. Such delays have caused anguish for the Palestinian families who have been waiting for the return of their loved ones.
Maybe the most critical issue relates to humanitarian aid going into Gaza. The ceasefire agreement very clearly talked about easing restrictions on the entry of food, fuel, and medical supplies. But Hamas would have it that Israel is still severely restricting entry, thus leaving some 2.3 million souls inside Gaza in dire conditions. The document provides examples of times when aid trucks were turned back or made to let their cargo rot during lengthy inspections.
Medical Supplies
Denial of essential medical supplies has been one of the most gruesome consequences. Hospitals in Gaza already are beset with chronic shortages and could not procure scarce supplies. Apparently, according to Hamas, the Israeli authorities have blocked the entry of items such as anesthesia, surgical tools, and an even standard antibiotic, all of which endangered countless lives.
Hamas blames Israel for violating the ceasefire by maintaining their refusal to have important talks regarding permanent conflict resolutions. The document identifies Israeli government officials who make inflammatory statements while failing to make progress toward resolving the conflict roots.
The present situation demands this document’s publication. International observers call for both Hamas and Israel to keep their promises because the ceasefire currently depend on strict adherence to commitments. Several international humanitarian organizations along with the United Nations have demanded an immediate intensification of support for Gaza because experts predict a fast-approaching humanitarian disaster there.
At present the Gazan population continues suffering because of ongoing political gamesmanship regarding unfulfilled assurances. The people of the world wonder whether the current ceasefire will endure or if armed conflict will return to produce more heartbreak in the region.
Now Israel has the main responsibility to act. People of Gaza face the highest possible risks in this situation.
