Israel to Halve Aid into Gaza Amid Hostage Recovery Concerns
GENEVA/JERUSALEM - Israel announced Tuesday it will reduce the amount of aid entering Gaza by half,citing concerns over the slow pace of returning the bodies of hostages held by Hamas. The decision comes as international organizations warn of catastrophic conditions within the besieged territory.
According to a statement released by Israel, the reduction in aid is linked to a lack of progress in negotiations for the return of the remains of Israeli citizens and soldiers killed during the October 7th attacks and subsequent conflict. Israel maintains it adheres to its prison standards under law and investigates reports of violations regarding the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, but these claims are frequently challenged by human rights groups and media organizations.
The United Nations advancement Program (UNDP) estimates the scale of destruction in Gaza is immense. Jaco Cillers, special representative of UNDP administrator for a program to help Palestinians, stated the amount of rubble currently totals approximately 55 million tons - enough to build 13 giant pyramids in Giza or cover New York’s Central Park to a depth of 12 meters (40 feet). The UNDP, along with the European Union and the World Bank, estimates $70 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza, a figure that has risen from $53 billion in February. Cillers indicated $20 billion would be needed in the next three years, with the remainder potentially requiring decades to secure. He also noted “good indications” from potential donors in the Arab world, Europe, and the United States.
simultaneously occurring, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that a recent agreement signed in Egypt is not a peace deal, but a framework for a ceasefire. He urged the United States and other nations to pressure Israel to ensure compliance, citing concerns over Israel’s past adherence to ceasefire agreements. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to a two-state solution recognizing Palestinian statehood and indicated discussions are ongoing regarding potential deployment of Turkish troops to gaza,focusing primarily on reconstruction and humanitarian aid,including the possibility of providing container homes.
