Hamas threatens to suspend truce talks with Israel without prompt aid to Gaza. Negotiations about a truce, the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners, have been held for several weeks.
Hamas wants a “total ceasefire” and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who seeks to “annihilate” the Islamist movement, refuses at this stage Hamas's demands. The threat of large-scale famine is feared by the UN.