Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stall Over Gaza Aid Crisis and U.N. Controversy

Negotiations for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are stalling, despite optimistic signals from key mediators like President Donald Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff. The hope for a deal that could bring peace to the Gaza Strip and secure the return of hostages is hanging by a thread, with several unresolved issues at the heart of the deadlock.

One of the most contentious sticking points is the distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The question of who controls this lifeline has sparked fierce debate. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S. and Israeli-backed group, has been thrust into the spotlight. Having delivered an impressive 70 million meals to nearly a million Palestinians, GHF claims its secure convoys—supported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)—ensure aid reaches civilians rather than falling into the hands of Hamas. Yet, this approach has drawn sharp criticism for its militarized nature, diverging from traditional humanitarian methods.

Rev. Johnnie Moore, GHF Chairman, didn’t mince words, accusing Hamas of rejecting aid out of spite. He alleges that during ceasefire talks, Hamas demanded GHF’s elimination, prioritizing control over the welfare of Gaza’s people. Moore also took aim at the United Nations, accusing it of spreading unverified statistics from Hamas-controlled sources and behaving like a ‘mafia’ by undermining GHF’s efforts behind closed doors. ‘We just want to feed people,’ he emphasized, calling for cooperation over political games.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Human Rights Office has raised alarms, reporting nearly 800 deaths near aid distribution sites, with many attributed to gunshot injuries. The GHF disputes these figures, insisting no deaths have occurred at their locations. Adding to the tension, the U.N. and over 200 humanitarian organizations have criticized GHF’s methods, with some openly calling for its removal from Gaza. Trust in the U.N. itself remains shaky after revelations of employees tied to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

As both sides dig in, GHF has rolled out a new phase of aid delivery, working through local community leaders to minimize risks to civilians. Yet, the broader impasse over aid distribution mirrors the larger struggle for peace. With Palestinians caught in dire conditions, the urgent need for a unified approach has never been clearer. The question remains: can these factions set aside their differences for the greater good?