Update – March 14:
US Envoy for Hostages fired
@aboehler on Hamas: Q: Do you understand why Netanyahu, Dermer and others might be upset? (Referencing US direct talks with Hamas)
BOEHLER: They don’t have horns growing out of their heads. They’re actually pretty nice guys; guys like us and the US is not an agent of Israel.
He was then fired.
United States Envoy for Hostages
- US meetings with Hamas were very helpful, and I did not rule out additional meetings to negotiate with them
- I believe we can release all captives, not just Americans
- A deal regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the captives may be reached within weeks
Just when you think they couldn’t sink any lower, the Israeli government imposed a total blockade on Gaza preventing any food aid or supplies from entering the devastated strip as a form of blatant blackmail. Not only did they renege on the signed 3-phase agreement, they have now torn it to shreds with compound cruelty.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt @FranceskAlbs
Fully closing down Gaza AGAIN, while resuming hostilities, is much more than a violation of the ceasefire. It is an escalation of Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinians.
NB.Israel has violated the #ceasefire multiple times: – killing 100+ Palestinians in Gazs including children (on top of those killed in the West Bank) – slowing down entry of aid truck – limiting entry of tents & denying entry of mobile homes (while children continued to freeze to death) – refusing release of prisoners and hostages. It is never too late to hold Israel accountable.
May this Ramadan be the time the Palestinians see the int’l community lift itself up from the floor of history.
Yanis Varoufakis @yanisvaroufakis
By supporting Israel’s right to rescind its agreement to withdraw troops (i.e., to demand an extension of Phase 1), the EU has endorsed Israel’s right to re-start the genocide at its pleasure. In so doing, the EU just crossed a line into utter criminality.
The EU/Statement:
Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the ceasefire in Gaza
02.03.2025 EEAS Press Team
The EU condemns the refusal of Hamas to accept the extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Israel’s subsequent decision to block the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza could potentially result in humanitarian consequences.
The EU calls for a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire, and expresses its strong support to the mediators.
A permanent ceasefire would contribute to the release of all remaining Israeli hostages while ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza to begin. All parties have a political responsibility to make this a reality.
The EU reiterates its calls for full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need and for allowing and facilitating humanitarian workers and international organisations to operate effectively and safely inside Gaza.
The EU civilian Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) is ready to continue its work if requested by the parties. Thanks to its presence, nearly 3,000 people have so far crossed the border into Egypt since 1 February.
Egypt’s position:
Egypt has condemned Israel’s decision to impose a complete siege on the Gaza Strip, accusing it of using “starvation as a weapon.” Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s decision as “a flagrant and clear violation of humanitarian law,” and called for the immediate implementation of the second phase.—AP
: 1. Extend phase one, release all prisoners, and then we continue the genocide. 2. Don’t extend phase one. Don’t release all prisoners, and we still continue the Genocide
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer claimed that Hamas was hoarding vast reserves of food, claiming they have “enough food to fuel an obesity epidemic” in Gaza. His remarks come amid Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid to the densely populated enclave
