Humanitarian crisis escalating in Gaza as fears of renewed conflict rise

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Humanitarian crisis escalating in Gaza as fears of renewed conflict rise

2025-03-05 13:41 Last Updated At：16:07

Fears of a renewed conflict loom large among Gaza residents who are now struggling with a rapid rise in the prices of flour and vegetables following Israel's move to block humanitarian aid to Gaza since early Sunday.

Concerns are rising as negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have stagnated after the first phase came to an end on Saturday. Israel has demanded a demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and an end to Hamas' rule in order to move on to the next phase of the ceasefire deal that took effect in January.

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Humanitarian crisis escalating in Gaza as fears of renewed conflict rise

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Humanitarian crisis escalating in Gaza as fears of renewed conflict rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the decision to block the aid aims to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, which he said was put forth by a U.S. envoy.

Amid the uncertainty, Gaza residents are now calling for international intervention to prevent further disaster in the region, with many stressing it is essential that aid be allowed to reach the war-torn enclave.

"People are terrified of a renewed war and the interruption of aid because most of our essential needs rely on humanitarian assistance. With Gaza under prolonged siege, the limited humanitarian aid during the first phase of the ceasefire has now dwindled further. We hope that war does not reignite, and we urge Netanyahu to reconsider the decision to close border crossings," said Alaa Nasrallah, a local resident.

"Many fear that another war could break out in Gaza. We cannot endure another war or any similar event. We appeal to the international community, all nations, especially Arab and Islamic countries, to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the ceasefire agreement negotiations and proceed to the agreed-upon second phase," said Mohammed Alghamary, another resident.

"Nearly everyone's livelihood depends on aid supplies. We no longer want to witness the outbreak of war because war represents the most challenging times for all of us. Many children and women have perished in past conflicts," said another resident named Hatim Daloul.

The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 2023 had risen to 48,405, with another 111,835 injuries, according to a statement released by the Gaza-based health authorities on Tuesday.

Canada, China vow to strengthen bilateral ties, uphold multilateralism

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday vowed to deepen bilateral ties and uphold multilateralism.

Carney voiced Canada's willingness to work with China to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation in fields such as energy, finance, agriculture and fisheries, and keep consolidating the foundation of bilateral relations.

Canada supports China in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, he said, adding that Ottawa is ready to work with Beijing to jointly champion and practice multilateralism, so as to make positive contributions to global economic development and world peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said facts have proven that a better China-Canada relationship serves the interests of both countries, meets the expectations of all parties, and represents the right choice for Canada, emphasizing that there are no clashes of fundamental interests between the two nations and there is enormous room for cooperation.

Wang said that both sides should uphold multilateralism, the international rule of law, and strategic autonomy, while actively supporting free trade and an open world economy.