Jerusalem / Gaza / Washington — October 15, 2025

Israel has formally accused Hamas of violating the terms of the recent ceasefire by failing to deliver on its commitment to transfer the remains of deceased hostages, triggering a decision to reduce the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The move intensifies pressure on Hamas and risks deepening the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, even as diplomatic mediators scramble to preserve the fragile truce.

Alleged Violations Prompt Aid Retraction

According to statements from COGAT, the Israeli military coordination authority overseeing aid flows, Israel will limit the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza to 300 per day—half of the 600 daily trucks stipulated under the ceasefire agreement. In addition, fuel and gas supplies will be restricted, permitted only for essential humanitarian infrastructure. The justification cited is that “Hamas violated the agreement regarding the release of the bodies of the hostages.”

The decision came after Hamas delivered the remains of four deceased hostages to Israel via the Red Cross. While the handover marks a step forward, Israel states that the number is far short of what was agreed—leaving dozens of remains still unreturned. As of now, eight coffins have been handed over, though 19 bodies are presumed to remain in Gaza and one is unaccounted for.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The ceasefire, brokered as part of a multi-phase U.S. plan, hinges on reciprocal hostage releases and reconstruction support. But the failure to return all remains within the agreed timeline has generated friction. Israel sees the delay as a breach of the deal's core obligations, while Hamas cites logistical challenges in locating bodies amid widespread destruction.

Beyond the issues of hostages, skirmishes and conflicting claims of ceasefire violations have eroded trust. Israeli forces have reported new “truce line” incursions by individuals approaching Israeli positions, which they say represent breaches of the ceasefire terms. Hamas, in turn, has accused Israel of conducting disproportionate force and venturing into disputed zones.

Humanitarian Fallout and International Concern

Humanitarian agencies are already warning of immediate consequences. The reduction in aid-convoy throughput risks cutting vital food, medical supplies, water, and fuel in a territory where infrastructure is shattered and civilian needs are acute. According to the UN’s OCHA, 300 trucks per day will be insufficient to meet even basic minimums.

In Gaza, medical facilities—many of which operate on limited power reserves—are likely to suffer further setbacks. Aid groups caution that civilians may pay the price for political and strategic calculations. Critics contend that using humanitarian access as leverage undermines norms of neutrality and protection for vulnerable populations.

Diplomatic Maneuvers and U.S. Posture

Behind the scenes, the United States and regional mediators (notably Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey) are pressing to uphold the ceasefire framework. Washington has made clear that future aid disbursements will depend on compliance, verification, and transparency. Fazed by the deadlock, U.S. officials are also evaluating whether to condition or suspend further aid unless the remaining bodies are returned.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly warned Hamas that if it fails to disarm, the U.S. may intervene to do so “quickly and perhaps violently.” The disarmament clause is central to the broader peace plan, but its feasibility remains deeply contested.

Outlook: Tenuous Ceasefire and Humanitarian Risk

The coming days will test the durability of the ceasefire. If aid constrictions continue, Gaza’s civilian population may face yet another precipitous decline in living conditions. Meanwhile, Hamas may face increasing diplomatic and military pressure to comply—and Israel may justify further moderation or escalation depending on developments.

At its core, the dispute underscores the inherent fragility of ceasefire pacts under multilateral strain: when obligations are disputed, humanitarian protections are vulnerable. In Gaza, the consequences of this high-stakes standoff may be measured not just in political maneuvering, but in human lives.