Israel has issued a strong warning to Hamas, urging them to agree to a US-backed ceasefire plan or face complete destruction. This came shortly after Hamas announced that the proposed agreement, introduced by US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, did not satisfy their conditions.
“The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages – or be annihilated,” said Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, in a statement.
Israel Agrees to the Deal, Hamas Still Reviewing
Israel has already accepted the ceasefire proposal. The deal outlines the release of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages, along with a 60-day halt in fighting across Gaza. However, Hamas has not given a final answer yet and says it is still examining the proposal.
This plan comes after months of failed truce attempts between the two sides. During this time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsened. Israel had blocked aid, leaving thousands without food and essential supplies.
Trump Optimistic About Possible Truce
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that both sides are nearing an agreement.
“They’re very close to an agreement on Gaza. We’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow. And we have a chance of that,” Trump said during a joint press conference with Elon Musk.
UN Slams Looting of Aid in Gaza
As the situation in Gaza becomes more unstable, the United Nations condemned a group of armed individuals who stormed aid warehouses.
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the group raided a field hospital in Deir al-Balah. They stole large amounts of medicines, medical equipment, and nutrition meant for malnourished children.
“The group stormed the warehouses at a field hospital in Deir al-Balah, looting large quantities of medical equipment, supplies, medicines, nutritional supplements that was intended for malnourished children,” said Dujarric, representing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He added that the stolen aid had just arrived in Gaza the day before. Due to the worsening situation on the ground, looting has become more frequent as law and order continue to break down.