The US envoy to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has issued a desperate plea to Hamas: Sign the hostage deal and let aid flow into Gaza before it’s too late. In a video statement on X, Huckabee urged the militant group to accept an agreement that would secure the release of hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid, warning that further delays could deepen Gaza’s catastrophic famine. But with Hamas rejecting Israel’s latest proposal, the fate of millions hangs in the balance — and time is running out.
Hamas has refused what it calls a “partial” agreement, demanding instead a comprehensive deal that includes a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group’s chief negotiator insists that anything short of ending the war is unacceptable. Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid meant for civilians — a claim the militant group denies. The standoff has left Gaza in ruins, with the UN warning of the worst humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Aid organizations now warn that famine is “likely unfolding” across Gaza, with starvation spreading rapidly due to blocked supply routes. The previous truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US in January, allowed a temporary surge in aid — but when negotiations collapsed in early March, Israel cut off all assistance and resumed its military offensive. Since then, over 1,600 more Palestinians have been killed, adding to a death toll that has surpassed 51,000.
Huckabee’s call for Hamas to accept the deal comes as Gaza’s civil defense agency accuses Israel of “summary executions” after 15 rescue workers were killed last month. The Israeli military denies the allegations, but the grim reality on the ground suggests a breakdown of humanitarian norms. With hospitals overwhelmed, food scarce, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, the need for an immediate ceasefire — and unfettered aid access — has never been more urgent.
The US, along with mediators Qatar and Egypt, continues to push for a breakthrough. But with Hamas and Israel locked in a deadly stalemate, the window for diplomacy is closing. If no agreement is reached soon, Gaza’s suffering will escalate beyond anything seen so far — and the world will witness an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
The question now is whether Hamas will prioritize its political demands over the survival of Gaza’s people. If it refuses to compromise, the bloodshed and starvation will only worsen. The world is watching — and history will judge what happens next.
Hamas has refused what it calls a “partial” agreement, demanding instead a comprehensive deal that includes a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The group’s chief negotiator insists that anything short of ending the war is unacceptable. Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid meant for civilians — a claim the militant group denies. The standoff has left Gaza in ruins, with the UN warning of the worst humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Aid organizations now warn that famine is “likely unfolding” across Gaza, with starvation spreading rapidly due to blocked supply routes. The previous truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US in January, allowed a temporary surge in aid — but when negotiations collapsed in early March, Israel cut off all assistance and resumed its military offensive. Since then, over 1,600 more Palestinians have been killed, adding to a death toll that has surpassed 51,000.
Huckabee’s call for Hamas to accept the deal comes as Gaza’s civil defense agency accuses Israel of “summary executions” after 15 rescue workers were killed last month. The Israeli military denies the allegations, but the grim reality on the ground suggests a breakdown of humanitarian norms. With hospitals overwhelmed, food scarce, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, the need for an immediate ceasefire — and unfettered aid access — has never been more urgent.
The US, along with mediators Qatar and Egypt, continues to push for a breakthrough. But with Hamas and Israel locked in a deadly stalemate, the window for diplomacy is closing. If no agreement is reached soon, Gaza’s suffering will escalate beyond anything seen so far — and the world will witness an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
The question now is whether Hamas will prioritize its political demands over the survival of Gaza’s people. If it refuses to compromise, the bloodshed and starvation will only worsen. The world is watching — and history will judge what happens next.
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