The Gaza conflict has entered a critical stalemate phase, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. The Israeli military's push to destroy Hamas has been met with fierce resistance from the militant group, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that is dire. At least 4,117 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with reports of looting and violence erupting at aid points and UN warehouses. The World Food Programme has warned that starvation is looming for one in five people due to a months-long blockade on aid. US envoy Steve Witkoff's criticism of Hamas's response to a ceasefire proposal has added to the tension.
In an attempt to break the stalemate, US-backed talks between Israel and Hamas have proposed a 60-day ceasefire, which includes guarantees for serious negotiations leading to a long-term truce. The proposal also includes daily humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, which has been under a nearly three-month Israeli blockade. However, this proposal has yet to be accepted by Hamas, with officials calling it "totally unacceptable".