A deadly attack in Haifa, Israel, has raised concerns about a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which is facing increased pressure for its actions amid the crisis.
The six-week-long ceasefire agreement ended on Saturday, but negotiations for its extension have not started yet. Israel’s decision to halt aid convoys to Gaza drew criticism from the UN, Arab nations, and European Union, with many calling for their immediate restoration.
A stabbing attack in Haifa left one person dead and the attacker deceased. The incident is believed to be a terrorist attack by a member of Israel’s Druze Arab minority who had recently returned from another country. Hamas has hailed the attack as a response to perceived Israeli crimes.
The crisis escalated after Netanyahu announced that aid convoys would be suspended, citing multiple ceasefire violations by Hamas. This move follows an earlier proposal by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for an intermediary measure that would significantly change the terms of the agreement.
Hamas has rejected the proposal, and Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have condemned Israel’s decision to halt aid convoys. The European Union has called for a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire deal.
The Gaza Strip, which is home to around 2 million people, has been the site of intense violence since Hamas’ terrorist attack in October last year. The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 civilian deaths and 48,300 Palestinian casualties, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health.
Netanyahu’s government warned that there would be “consequences” for Hamas if it did not accept the proposal. His critics have threatened to quit if the war is not resumed, which could lead to national elections and force Netanyahu to seek a new mandate at a time when public opinion is divided over his handling of the crisis.
Netanyahu appeared in court on Monday to testify in corruption charges he denies, amid growing pressure on him to address the Gaza ceasefire issue.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-stabbing-haifa-netanyahu-halts-aid