The US-led ceasefire agreement for Gaza is only a week old.  The remaining living Israeli hostages have been released and those who died in captivity are being repatriated.  Palestinians in Gaza have experienced relief from the harrowing worry about Israeli airstrikes and intense attacks, and aid has begun to enter Gaza.  But the ceasefire remains especially tenuous. Both parties have accused the other of violating the terms.  Not all of the deceased Israeli hostages have yet been returned.  Palestinian prisoners who have been promised release have been deported to a third country instead of returning home.  Israel has struck Gaza again, saying that Hamas has not lived up to its terms.

As the ceasefire takes effect, the scope and extent of destruction will only become clearer – both for Palestinians as they return to their communities to find the rubble of their homes and search for loved ones and neighbors who are still unaccounted for; and for the world which may begin to have increased access to Gaza.

Israel has used humanitarian aid delivery as leverage and as a weapon during the last two years (and previously during its 17-year blockade of Gaza).  Such Israeli control over humanitarian aid for Gaza has continued even this week.  Questions over what kinds of food and nutritional aid Israel would allow, the number of trucks that can enter, the mechanisms to deliver the aid to the most vulnerable, and control over the Rafah border access point are all still points of contention over which Israel has exerted its control.  While trucks remain ready for inspection, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has said more than 1000 trucks of aid per day are needed.

The denial of humanitarian assistance is a crime, under international law.  Point #7 in the US’ 20-Point Ceasefire Plan  states, “Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip.”  Point #8 states, “Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party.”  These, and the other terms, must be adhered to, and there must be accountability and guarantees.

While the ceasefire remains precarious, the desperation of Palestinians in Gaza must be relieved immediately.  This alone will not lead to a lasting peace with justice, or address matters of accountability for the last 2 years of destruction and death wrought by Israel in Gaza.  The US, as the broker of the ceasefire, must now enforce its terms and use its leverage to ensure its provisions to prevent Israel from continuing to weaponize aid delivery.

Contact the White House now to urge the Trump Administration to use its leverage to ensure the delivery of sufficient aid for Palestinians in Gaza, and to ensure the end of Israel’s war on Gaza.