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Hamas Must Relent, and Food Needs to Keep Flowing to Civilians in Gaza

(Washington Post) Editorial - After imposing a near-total aid blockage in March, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced over the weekend a resumption of international food deliveries and a limited pause in Israel's military offensive in three Gaza areas. The stated objective of the halt to aid was to put maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages and force the group to surrender, disarm and agree to relinquish its control over Gaza. However, only one hostage was released, as part of a U.S. direct negotiation with Hamas. Hamas has refused to surrender while still holding sway in most of Gaza and has lately seemed to even harden its demands, rejecting the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire plan. Alas, the tactic of blocking aid probably boomeranged to Hamas's favor by leading to appalling scenes of worsening hunger in Gaza and bringing condemnation on Israel, not Hamas. Creative solutions are needed. That includes addressing the most difficult sticking points - a future governing authority for Gaza to replace Hamas, combined with security guarantees for Israel.
2025-07-29 00:00:00
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