US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Hamas of deliberately derailing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, following the breakdown of indirect talks in Qatar. This comes as Israel announced it would consider “alternative options” to secure the release of hostages, amid intensifying humanitarian devastation across the Palestinian territory.
Statements from Leaders
| Figure | Statement |
| Donald Trump | “Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.” |
| Steve Witkoff (US Envoy) | Accused Hamas of not “acting in good faith” |
| Bassem Naim (Hamas Official) | Claimed US was distorting negotiations and backing Israeli interests |
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Israel is “considering alternative options” alongside the US to bring hostages home and dismantle Hamas |
| Itamar Ben Gvir (Israeli Minister) | Called for full aid blockade, occupation of Gaza, and re-establishment of Israeli settlements |
Despite the collapse in talks, Qatar and Egypt, who had served as mediators, pledged to continue their “intensive efforts” to revive negotiations.
Hostage Situation and Humanitarian Fallout
| Details | Figures |
| Hostages taken on 7 October 2023 | 251 |
| Still held in Gaza | 49 |
| Declared dead by Israel | 27 |
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Aid and human rights organisations are raising alarm over widespread starvation and malnutrition in Gaza. The situation is becoming increasingly dire after over 21 months of conflict and a restrictive aid blockade.
Alarming Data
| Indicator | Value |
| Children in Gaza City suffering from malnutrition | 1 in 5 |
| Malnourishment among children & mothers (MSF clinics) | 25% |
| Palestinians killed near aid centres since late May | Over 750 |
| Total Palestinians killed in the war | 59,676 (mostly civilians) |
| Civilians killed in Hamas’s October 2023 attack | 1,219 (mostly Israeli civilians) |
Fatima al-Shawaf, mourning a relative killed while trying to access aid in Khan Yunis, stated:
“I would rather we die of hunger than have anyone go to this trap that is killing our youth.”
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) Under Fire
The Israeli- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established earlier this year to manage aid, is being widely criticised:
| Concern | Details |
| Distribution method | Limited to four heavily-guarded centres requiring long, dangerous queues |
| Accusations | Aid groups say GHF supports Israeli military strategy |
| UN & NGOs’ stance | Refuse to cooperate with GHF, demanding neutral distribution systems |
| UN Secretary-General Guterres | Called the situation a “moral crisis that challenges the global conscience” |
Aid Delivery and Its Perils
Despite promises by Israel, UAE, and Jordan to resume aid air drops, humanitarian organisations have criticised this method as:
- Dangerous: Civilians have been killed by falling crates, stampedes, or drowned while retrieving packages.
- Ineffective: Air drops cannot match the scale and consistency of land deliveries.
International Response
- UK, France, and Germany jointly declared:
“The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end now. We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid.”
- World Health Organization has described the crisis as “man-made”, holding Israel responsible for worsening conditions — a claim Israeli officials continue to deny.
As diplomatic talks flounder and starvation spreads, Gaza remains caught in a deadly impasse. The need for a durable ceasefire, sustained humanitarian access, and a comprehensive political solution grows ever more urgent with each passing day
