Duncan Murage
Videos circulating on the Gaza Now channel have brought renewed attention to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, underscoring the profound suffering of the Palestinian people since the early March pause in humanitarian aid. The footage, which depicts scenes of hunger, displacement, and despair, comes at a time of heightened conflict between Hamas, Israel, and international mediators, with the region teetering on the edge of further violence.
Since the start of the aid pause in early March, Hamas has resisted calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to release all remaining hostages, insisting instead on adhering strictly to the terms of a prior ceasefire agreement that stipulates a phased release of captives. Trump’s administration has pushed for an unconditional release, framing it as a prerequisite for renewed negotiations, but Hamas has dismissed the demand as outside the agreed framework. Meanwhile, Israel, perceived by some analysts as benefiting more from the stalled talks, has resumed shelling and tightened its blockade on Gaza, blocking essential aid shipments—a move Hamas has labeled as “blackmail” aimed at forcing compliance.
The blockade has exacerbated an already catastrophic situation for Palestinians, who have endured a history of conflict and displacement since the early 1900s. Over a century of wars, occupations, and forced migrations have left deep scars, with the current crisis adding to a legacy of hardship. Human rights organizations have sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the immediate lifting of the aid restrictions. A spokesperson for one prominent group stated, “The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid is a violation of international law and deepens the suffering of an already vulnerable population. Access to food, medicine, and shelter must be restored without delay.”
Amid the diplomatic deadlock, videos from Gaza Now also include unverified statements attributed to Hamas-affiliated groups, reflecting ongoing resistance in the region. One claim, purportedly from the Saraya Al-Quds – Nablus Battalion, reads: “Our fighters, along with their brothers, were able to engage in fierce battles with the enemy forces storming the fighting axes in the Old City and the Eastern Market, and to shower the enemy forces and military vehicles with heavy volleys of direct bullets, achieving confirmed casualties.” Another statement, allegedly from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Vanguard of Liberation, declares: “Our fighters in the Shaheen groups continue to confront the Zionist enemy forces’ storming of the city of Nablus, and are targeting the enemy forces in the eastern market axis with a heavy barrage of bullets and highly explosive ‘Qassim’ bombs, and are engaging in violent clashes with them.” These claims, while widely shared, remain unverified and highlight the chaotic and volatile nature of the conflict on the ground.
Israel’s intensified military actions, including shelling that has resulted in civilian casualties, have drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and some international observers. Hamas has accused Israel of exploiting the aid pause to escalate violence, further complicating any path to de-escalation. The Israeli government, for its part, maintains that its actions are a response to Hamas’s refusal to comply with demands for the hostages’ release and ongoing security threats.
As the situation deteriorates, the international community faces growing pressure to intervene. The stark imagery from Gaza Now serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of political brinkmanship, with ordinary Palestinians bearing the brunt of the fallout. For now, the deadlock persists, and the voices of those calling for compassion and justice grow louder—yet the path to resolution remains as elusive as ever.
