G7 Urges Humanitarian Aid Resumption for Gaza Amid Hostage Negotiations

The G7, meeting in Canada on Friday, called for the resumption of “unhindered” humanitarian aid to Gaza, Arab News reported. In a final statement, the foreign ministers of the influential democracies reaffirmed their commitment to restoring assistance and advocating for a permanent ceasefire.

Simultaneously, the White House accused Hamas of stalling negotiations regarding the release of a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire. A statement from Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s envoy, emphasized that Hamas is miscalculating if it believes time is on its side, warning of severe consequences if deadlines are not met.

Witkoff proposed a “bridge” plan in Qatar to extend the truce to mid-April, contingent upon the release of living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The statement clarified that Hamas was informed of the urgency and that Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, must be released immediately. However, Hamas has reportedly made impractical demands without agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.