Gaza Faces Famine as Peace Plan Stalls

Gaza Faces Famine as Peace Plan Stalls

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 3, 2025

GAZA CITY – A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza as a proposed peace plan, brokered by the Trump administration, faces strong resistance from Hamas, the governing authority in the region.

The ongoing conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, has claimed the lives of at least 66,097 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The peace plan, unveiled earlier this week, hinges on Hamas agreeing to disarmament, the immediate release of all hostages, and the acceptance of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) within Gaza.

Hamas views the ISF as a potential reoccupation of the territory.

While Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, has stated that Hamas is “responsibly” reviewing the proposal, deep divisions within the group are emerging.

Ez al-Din al-Haddad, Hamas’ military commander in Gaza, is reportedly advocating for continued fighting.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another armed group involved in the October 7 attacks, has already rejected the plan.

Hamas’ concerns center around the potential for renewed Israeli military operations following a hostage release.

The group also objects to a proposed buffer zone along Gaza’s border with Egypt, as outlined in a map released by the Trump administration.

Despite the plan’s promise of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and a “credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly contradicted these terms.

He insists on Israel’s right to maintain a military presence in parts of Gaza and to “forcibly resist” the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The conflicting messages from the Israeli government are undermining the credibility of the peace process.

Inside Gaza, desperation is growing. Some Palestinians express support for the plan solely as a means to end the devastating war, acknowledging its inherent flaws.

“The American plan has bad clauses, but I support it because it will stop the war and get rid of Hamas,” said Khadar Abu Kweik, a Gaza resident.

Palestinian journalist Fathi Sabah warns that a Hamas rejection could provide Netanyahu with “a green light to continue the war with American and Western backing.”

The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating.

A UN-backed body confirmed a famine in Gaza City in August, highlighting the dire food shortages and widespread displacement.

A UN commission of inquiry concluded earlier this month that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a charge vehemently denied by Israel.

Global Recognition of Palestine Grows Amid Crisis

Against this backdrop of conflict and humanitarian crisis, the State of Palestine has gained increasing international recognition.

As of September, 157 out of 193 UN member states, representing over 80% of the UN membership, recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.

While the United States continues to block Palestine’s full UN membership through its veto power in the Security Council, other permanent members, including China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, recognize Palestine.

Fourteen of the 19 G20 member countries, including Argentina, Brazil, China, France, India, and the United Kingdom, also recognize Palestine.

This growing recognition underscores the international community’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Key Developments:

• Netanyahu’s Contradictions: Rising concerns over Netanyahu’s apparent backtracking on key aspects of the Trump plan, casting doubt on its viability.
• Qatari Mediation Efforts: Qatar continues to play a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, seeking to bridge the divide and secure a ceasefire.
• Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with severe food shortages, widespread displacement, and a collapsing healthcare system. The urgency for humanitarian aid and a lasting resolution grows daily.

The future of Gaza hangs in the balance, dependent on the willingness of both sides to compromise and the ability of international mediators to bridge the widening gap.

The growing humanitarian crisis demands immediate action and a commitment to a lasting and just peace.