Israel to halve aid into Gaza over slow return of dead hostages, a test for ceasefire
News October 15, 2025

Israel to halve aid into Gaza over slow return of dead hostages, a test for ceasefire

The ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war held Tuesday even as the return of deceased hostages progressed more slowly than Israelis hoped and officials said the Israeli military killed three Palestinians.

**Israel to halve aid into Gaza over slow return of dead hostages, a test for ceasefire**

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place, but tensions are rising as the promised return of deceased Israeli hostages proceeds at a pace slower than anticipated by Israeli officials. In response, Israel has announced it will drastically reduce the amount of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip by half, a move that is already drawing criticism from international organizations and humanitarian groups.

The decision to cut aid is being framed by Israeli officials as a direct consequence of the delayed recovery of the bodies of deceased hostages held by Hamas. While the release of living hostages has been a central focus of the ceasefire agreement, the retrieval of the remains of those who died in captivity is also a key demand from Israel. The slow progress on this front appears to be testing the limits of the agreement and raising concerns about its long-term viability.

The reduction in aid threatens to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The region has suffered extensive damage from weeks of conflict, leaving its infrastructure crippled and its population facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Halving the aid flow will undoubtedly worsen these conditions, potentially leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports have emerged that the Israeli military killed three Palestinians on Tuesday. While the circumstances surrounding these deaths are still under investigation, they are likely to further inflame tensions and complicate efforts to maintain the ceasefire. Any escalation in violence could jeopardize the entire agreement and lead to a resumption of hostilities.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the ceasefire. The speed at which the deceased hostages are returned, the level of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, and the restraint exercised by both sides will all be critical factors. The international community is watching closely, urging both Israel and Hamas to uphold their commitments and prevent a return to the devastating conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives. The decision to reduce aid is a risky gamble that could undermine the fragile progress made and plunge the region back into chaos.
Category: World