Israel-Hamas Conflict: Violations, Aid, and Crisis
Verdict: False
### Topic
Israel-Hamas Conflict: Violations, Aid, and Crisis
### Summary
The Israel-Hamas War, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza with over 75,000 reported deaths and widespread displacement by July 2026. Multiple ceasefire agreements have been established but are frequently violated, leading to ongoing military actions, governance disputes, and accusations of war crimes from both sides.
### Body
The [Israel-Hamas War](https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024) commenced on October 7, 2023, with Hamas initiating a multi-front assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip. This initial attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 individuals being taken hostage. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was established in October 2025, intended to conclude a two-year conflict, following another ceasefire deal that became effective on January 19, 2025, after over a year of intense fighting. A November 2023 agreement facilitated the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. As of July 12, 2026, the Gaza war has reportedly killed over 75,000 people, comprising 73,221 Palestinians and 2,039 Israelis. More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, at least 1,123 people have been killed in Gaza, as reported by the territory's Health Ministry, while five Israeli soldiers have also been killed during this period. In the West Bank, 1,109 Palestinians, including 243 children, have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023.
The conflict has led to severe displacement and humanitarian needs within Gaza, with 1.9 million people internally displaced, meaning nearly all of Gaza's 2.1 million residents remain displaced. Currently, 1.7 million people are sheltering in 1,600 displacement sites across Gaza. Every individual in Gaza requires humanitarian assistance, and 1.1 million children experience uncertain access to water daily. A significant 82% of households in Gaza are water insecure, and up to 70% of the population cannot collect the minimum recommended six liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking. Over 100,000 children under five in Gaza are projected to face acute malnutrition and require long-term care in 2026, following a famine declaration in Gaza in August 2025. Despite these efforts, the October 2025 ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed since its implementation. Israel conducted 40 attacks targeting militants in June 2026, marking the highest monthly total since the ceasefire began.
Ceasefire agreements are presented as offering immediate benefits, including the return of hostages and a cessation of bombardments, which directly addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Proponents argue that an increase in humanitarian aid and its more effective distribution can prevent further harm to civilians and enable them to begin rebuilding their lives. The October 2025 peace deal reportedly significantly increased the volume of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. Following this ceasefire, Israeli officials reported dramatic increases in food deliveries, water production, medical supply entry, and improved market availability across much of Gaza. Between October 2025 and June 7, 2026, approximately 1.78 million tons of food entered the Gaza Strip, substantially exceeding the World Food Program's (WFP) defined requirements. Prices for staple foods like flour, sugar, and rice saw significant drops after the ceasefire; for example, flour prices decreased by 80% from 150 NIS to 30 NIS. The January 19, 2025, ceasefire deal specifically included provisions for the return of Israeli hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from densely populated areas.
Israel's military campaign against Hamas is considered an exercise of its inherent right to self-defense, initiated in response to the October 7, 2023, attack. The scale of Israel's military campaign is justified by the nature of the threat and the necessity to restore the state's safety and security. Israel maintains that its conduct during Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009) was limited in scope, duration, and intensity, thereby restricting damage to the civilian population. Israel asserts that Hamas utilizes civilian populations and property as cover for military actions, including booby-trapping civilian housing. Israeli security inspections of aid entering Gaza are implemented to prevent weapons and dual-use materials from reaching Hamas and other militant organizations.
Hamas has a documented history of violating ceasefire agreements, often using such pauses to regroup, rearm, and reorganize its forces. Critics argue that an unconditional ceasefire could enable Hamas to relocate hostages, thereby complicating potential rescue operations, and might convey a dangerous message to adversaries, such as Hezbollah, suggesting that terrorist organizations can commit war crimes and endure. The October 2025 ceasefire has been frequently violated and has not adequately addressed the extensive humanitarian needs in Gaza. Negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, announced on January 14, 2026, have stalled due to ongoing Israeli attacks and disagreements regarding Hamas disarmament. Israel insists on disarmament progress before proceeding, while Hamas refuses to discuss the second phase without it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly contested aspects of the latest ceasefire proposal (June 2024), raising doubts about Israel's commitment. Hamas maintains that it will not release the remaining hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu has stated Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas' military and governing capabilities, arguing that a full withdrawal would likely leave Hamas in control of the territory. Unfeasible plans for Gaza governance impede the progress of the U.S.-backed ceasefire, potentially encouraging Israel to expand its control in the Strip. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) has been unable to enter Gaza, and its deployment is contingent on progress in decommissioning Hamas' weapons.
Humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza is severely constrained by factors including border crossings, security inspections, damaged roads, active combat zones, widespread displacement, destroyed infrastructure, limited fuel, and the collapse of local government services. Hamas has been accused by Israel, the US, and independent observers of diverting, taxing, stealing, or otherwise exploiting humanitarian assistance; in July 2026, the UN accused Hamas of obstructing humanitarian operations. Essential materials for humanitarian response, such as generators and plastic pipes, remain restricted without clear justification. The ongoing conflict makes it extremely difficult for aid organizations to move safely, with convoys frequently coming under fire. Humanitarian workers face increasing challenges due to intensified combat and bombing near designated routes and facilities. A breakdown in law and order, partly due to the collapse of the civilian police force and an increase in armed gangs, creates insecurity for aid convoys within Gaza. Access constraints are particularly severe near the "Yellow Line" in northern Rafah, where Israeli military tank movements render displacement sites inaccessible and disrupt aid delivery. Humanitarian operations have been affected by interference and insecurity, including armed personnel affiliated with de facto authorities forcibly entering a food distribution point in Jabalya on July 12, 2026. Aid volumes offloaded at the Kerem Shalom Crossing decreased from 58,600 pallets in January 2026 to 41,800 in June 2026.
Israel's military campaign has been criticized as overly aggressive and indiscriminate, leading to massive civilian casualties and potential violations of international law. A UN Commission Report in September 2025 concluded that Israel has committed four of the five acts of genocide outlined in the Genocide Convention. Israeli snipers have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians in food queues, including children shot in the head or back. Israel has been accused of war crimes, including launching an unjustified war and causing wanton damage to civilian property. Some sources suggest the IDF deliberately inflicted excessive violence on Gaza's civilian population, with a UN report describing Operation Cast Lead as "a massive assault on a densely populated urbanized setting where the defining reality could not but subject the entire civilian population to an inhumane form of warfare." Israeli forces continue to destroy high-rise residential buildings, contributing to the displacement of 1.9 million people. Israel persists in violating the ceasefire and is reportedly pushing the demarcation line for Israeli control further westward. An Israeli strike on a funeral in central Gaza on July 17, 2026, killed at least seven people and wounded 22, with the Israeli military stating it targeted a "terrorist cell" but acknowledging potential civilian harm. Israel's ongoing attacks are seen by some analysts as an attempt to prevent Palestinian recovery, sabotage the Trump plan, and establish permanent occupation. Israel is accused of systematically targeting and killing law enforcement officers, medical professionals, government officials, and intellectuals to derail post-war plans and maintain control. Israel's military offensive is viewed by some as an attempt to exert permanent control over Gaza, disperse its population, and prevent the Palestinian people from exercising their right to self-determination, thereby violating international legal prohibitions. Approximately one-third of U.S. adults, including about half of Democrats, believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians.
Hamas is criticized for its use of political violence, hate speech, human shields, and child combatants. Hamas restricts political freedoms and commits human rights abuses in the Gaza Strip, including censorship and the torture of journalists. A 2012 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report detailed 43 pages of human rights violations by Hamas, including beatings with metal clubs and rubber hoses, hanging alleged collaborationists, and torturing 102 individuals. Hamas has been accused of operating within densely populated civilian areas, increasing risks for both humanitarian workers and civilians. Hamas's long-term objective is the destruction of Israel, and it has vowed to continue carrying out October 7-style attacks against Israeli civilians. Hamas's refusal to disarm is cited as a primary constraint to expanding assistance in Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts. Hamas's governance is criticized for being authoritarian and for sacrificing Palestinian lives by embedding fighters within civilian populations.
### Verification
A verification mechanism for the January 19, 2025, ceasefire agreement, involving Israel, Hamas, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, successfully resolved a crisis on January 25, 2025, when Israel alleged a breach by Hamas.
### Supplement
International bodies have responded with resolutions: UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21, adopted on October 27, 2023, called for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce" and cessation of hostilities, demanding continuous, sufficient, and unhindered provision of lifesaving supplies. UN Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted on June 10, 2024, welcomed the ceasefire proposal announced by US President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024. Subsequently, UN Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025, endorsed the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," which included establishing a Board of Peace (BoP) and authorizing a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco have pledged personnel for the ISF, with Greece also reportedly agreeing to participate. The US-led Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) and its Joint Coordination Board (JCB) oversee humanitarian operations and coordination, with Israel collaborating closely with the US and other international partners.
### Evidence
* [https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024](https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024)
* Gaza Health Ministry reports
* UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 (October 27, 2023)
* UN Security Council Resolution 2735 (June 10, 2024)
* UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (November 17, 2025)
* UN Commission Report (September 2025)
* 2012 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report
* World Food Program (WFP) defined requirements
* Israeli officials' reports
* UN accusations (July 2026)
* U.S. adult opinion polling data
Israel-Hamas Conflict: Violations, Aid, and Crisis
### Summary
The Israel-Hamas War, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza with over 75,000 reported deaths and widespread displacement by July 2026. Multiple ceasefire agreements have been established but are frequently violated, leading to ongoing military actions, governance disputes, and accusations of war crimes from both sides.
### Body
The [Israel-Hamas War](https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024) commenced on October 7, 2023, with Hamas initiating a multi-front assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip. This initial attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 individuals being taken hostage. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was established in October 2025, intended to conclude a two-year conflict, following another ceasefire deal that became effective on January 19, 2025, after over a year of intense fighting. A November 2023 agreement facilitated the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. As of July 12, 2026, the Gaza war has reportedly killed over 75,000 people, comprising 73,221 Palestinians and 2,039 Israelis. More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, at least 1,123 people have been killed in Gaza, as reported by the territory's Health Ministry, while five Israeli soldiers have also been killed during this period. In the West Bank, 1,109 Palestinians, including 243 children, have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023.
The conflict has led to severe displacement and humanitarian needs within Gaza, with 1.9 million people internally displaced, meaning nearly all of Gaza's 2.1 million residents remain displaced. Currently, 1.7 million people are sheltering in 1,600 displacement sites across Gaza. Every individual in Gaza requires humanitarian assistance, and 1.1 million children experience uncertain access to water daily. A significant 82% of households in Gaza are water insecure, and up to 70% of the population cannot collect the minimum recommended six liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking. Over 100,000 children under five in Gaza are projected to face acute malnutrition and require long-term care in 2026, following a famine declaration in Gaza in August 2025. Despite these efforts, the October 2025 ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed since its implementation. Israel conducted 40 attacks targeting militants in June 2026, marking the highest monthly total since the ceasefire began.
Ceasefire agreements are presented as offering immediate benefits, including the return of hostages and a cessation of bombardments, which directly addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Proponents argue that an increase in humanitarian aid and its more effective distribution can prevent further harm to civilians and enable them to begin rebuilding their lives. The October 2025 peace deal reportedly significantly increased the volume of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. Following this ceasefire, Israeli officials reported dramatic increases in food deliveries, water production, medical supply entry, and improved market availability across much of Gaza. Between October 2025 and June 7, 2026, approximately 1.78 million tons of food entered the Gaza Strip, substantially exceeding the World Food Program's (WFP) defined requirements. Prices for staple foods like flour, sugar, and rice saw significant drops after the ceasefire; for example, flour prices decreased by 80% from 150 NIS to 30 NIS. The January 19, 2025, ceasefire deal specifically included provisions for the return of Israeli hostages, an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from densely populated areas.
Israel's military campaign against Hamas is considered an exercise of its inherent right to self-defense, initiated in response to the October 7, 2023, attack. The scale of Israel's military campaign is justified by the nature of the threat and the necessity to restore the state's safety and security. Israel maintains that its conduct during Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009) was limited in scope, duration, and intensity, thereby restricting damage to the civilian population. Israel asserts that Hamas utilizes civilian populations and property as cover for military actions, including booby-trapping civilian housing. Israeli security inspections of aid entering Gaza are implemented to prevent weapons and dual-use materials from reaching Hamas and other militant organizations.
Hamas has a documented history of violating ceasefire agreements, often using such pauses to regroup, rearm, and reorganize its forces. Critics argue that an unconditional ceasefire could enable Hamas to relocate hostages, thereby complicating potential rescue operations, and might convey a dangerous message to adversaries, such as Hezbollah, suggesting that terrorist organizations can commit war crimes and endure. The October 2025 ceasefire has been frequently violated and has not adequately addressed the extensive humanitarian needs in Gaza. Negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, announced on January 14, 2026, have stalled due to ongoing Israeli attacks and disagreements regarding Hamas disarmament. Israel insists on disarmament progress before proceeding, while Hamas refuses to discuss the second phase without it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly contested aspects of the latest ceasefire proposal (June 2024), raising doubts about Israel's commitment. Hamas maintains that it will not release the remaining hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Netanyahu has stated Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas' military and governing capabilities, arguing that a full withdrawal would likely leave Hamas in control of the territory. Unfeasible plans for Gaza governance impede the progress of the U.S.-backed ceasefire, potentially encouraging Israel to expand its control in the Strip. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) has been unable to enter Gaza, and its deployment is contingent on progress in decommissioning Hamas' weapons.
Humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza is severely constrained by factors including border crossings, security inspections, damaged roads, active combat zones, widespread displacement, destroyed infrastructure, limited fuel, and the collapse of local government services. Hamas has been accused by Israel, the US, and independent observers of diverting, taxing, stealing, or otherwise exploiting humanitarian assistance; in July 2026, the UN accused Hamas of obstructing humanitarian operations. Essential materials for humanitarian response, such as generators and plastic pipes, remain restricted without clear justification. The ongoing conflict makes it extremely difficult for aid organizations to move safely, with convoys frequently coming under fire. Humanitarian workers face increasing challenges due to intensified combat and bombing near designated routes and facilities. A breakdown in law and order, partly due to the collapse of the civilian police force and an increase in armed gangs, creates insecurity for aid convoys within Gaza. Access constraints are particularly severe near the "Yellow Line" in northern Rafah, where Israeli military tank movements render displacement sites inaccessible and disrupt aid delivery. Humanitarian operations have been affected by interference and insecurity, including armed personnel affiliated with de facto authorities forcibly entering a food distribution point in Jabalya on July 12, 2026. Aid volumes offloaded at the Kerem Shalom Crossing decreased from 58,600 pallets in January 2026 to 41,800 in June 2026.
Israel's military campaign has been criticized as overly aggressive and indiscriminate, leading to massive civilian casualties and potential violations of international law. A UN Commission Report in September 2025 concluded that Israel has committed four of the five acts of genocide outlined in the Genocide Convention. Israeli snipers have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians in food queues, including children shot in the head or back. Israel has been accused of war crimes, including launching an unjustified war and causing wanton damage to civilian property. Some sources suggest the IDF deliberately inflicted excessive violence on Gaza's civilian population, with a UN report describing Operation Cast Lead as "a massive assault on a densely populated urbanized setting where the defining reality could not but subject the entire civilian population to an inhumane form of warfare." Israeli forces continue to destroy high-rise residential buildings, contributing to the displacement of 1.9 million people. Israel persists in violating the ceasefire and is reportedly pushing the demarcation line for Israeli control further westward. An Israeli strike on a funeral in central Gaza on July 17, 2026, killed at least seven people and wounded 22, with the Israeli military stating it targeted a "terrorist cell" but acknowledging potential civilian harm. Israel's ongoing attacks are seen by some analysts as an attempt to prevent Palestinian recovery, sabotage the Trump plan, and establish permanent occupation. Israel is accused of systematically targeting and killing law enforcement officers, medical professionals, government officials, and intellectuals to derail post-war plans and maintain control. Israel's military offensive is viewed by some as an attempt to exert permanent control over Gaza, disperse its population, and prevent the Palestinian people from exercising their right to self-determination, thereby violating international legal prohibitions. Approximately one-third of U.S. adults, including about half of Democrats, believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians.
Hamas is criticized for its use of political violence, hate speech, human shields, and child combatants. Hamas restricts political freedoms and commits human rights abuses in the Gaza Strip, including censorship and the torture of journalists. A 2012 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report detailed 43 pages of human rights violations by Hamas, including beatings with metal clubs and rubber hoses, hanging alleged collaborationists, and torturing 102 individuals. Hamas has been accused of operating within densely populated civilian areas, increasing risks for both humanitarian workers and civilians. Hamas's long-term objective is the destruction of Israel, and it has vowed to continue carrying out October 7-style attacks against Israeli civilians. Hamas's refusal to disarm is cited as a primary constraint to expanding assistance in Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts. Hamas's governance is criticized for being authoritarian and for sacrificing Palestinian lives by embedding fighters within civilian populations.
### Verification
A verification mechanism for the January 19, 2025, ceasefire agreement, involving Israel, Hamas, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, successfully resolved a crisis on January 25, 2025, when Israel alleged a breach by Hamas.
### Supplement
International bodies have responded with resolutions: UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21, adopted on October 27, 2023, called for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce" and cessation of hostilities, demanding continuous, sufficient, and unhindered provision of lifesaving supplies. UN Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted on June 10, 2024, welcomed the ceasefire proposal announced by US President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024. Subsequently, UN Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025, endorsed the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," which included establishing a Board of Peace (BoP) and authorizing a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco have pledged personnel for the ISF, with Greece also reportedly agreeing to participate. The US-led Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) and its Joint Coordination Board (JCB) oversee humanitarian operations and coordination, with Israel collaborating closely with the US and other international partners.
### Evidence
* [https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024](https://www.cfr.org/reports/conflicts-watch-2024)
* Gaza Health Ministry reports
* UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/21 (October 27, 2023)
* UN Security Council Resolution 2735 (June 10, 2024)
* UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (November 17, 2025)
* UN Commission Report (September 2025)
* 2012 Human Rights Watch (HRW) report
* World Food Program (WFP) defined requirements
* Israeli officials' reports
* UN accusations (July 2026)
* U.S. adult opinion polling data