Israel and Hamas Ceasefire Ends: Humanitarian Aid and Global Oil Prices in the Balance

The cessation of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this month has had far-reaching implications, from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the volatility of global oil prices. The initial closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt halted crucial humanitarian aid following Hamas attacks, prompting U.S. President Joe Biden and senior diplomats to call on the Israeli government to allow aid through the strategically located Kerem Shalom border crossing. Despite over 323 trucks entering Gaza within a week via Israel, Curtis Ried from the White House National Security Council and the International Committee of the Red Cross both acknowledged that the level of aid was insufficient for the crisis.

The World Health Organization has reported a dire situation, with 93% of Gaza's population experiencing crisis-level hunger. Before the escalation of violence, daily aid truck crossings at Rafah numbered between 400 to 500, a figure that has since plummeted. In response to the unfolding humanitarian disaster, President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about increasing aid and fuel supplies to Gaza.

The U.S. advocated for inspections at Kerem Shalom to alleviate the burden on the Rafah crossing, a request brought to Netanyahu and the Israeli war Cabinet by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who was in daily communication with Israeli officials, pressed for the opening of border crossings, particularly Kerem Shalom. This advocacy saw results when, on December 7, Israel's war Cabinet decided to increase fuel allotment and announced that Kerem Shalom would be open for inspections. Despite a deadly day for Israel with 10 IDF soldiers killed, delaying further decisions, Sullivan's persistence paid off as the Cabinet voted to open Kerem Shalom for humanitarian aid an hour before his planned departure, leading to significant aid truck crossings shortly thereafter.

Amidst these developments, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) continues to struggle with the distribution of food, fuel, and supplies in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.

The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by the impact of Iran's actions in the Red Sea on global trade. Bret Baier of 'Special Report' underscored the ramifications of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which have escalated oil prices to around $80 a barrel. Although oil prices surged over $100 a barrel during Russia's invasion of Ukraine and have since stabilized, Kevin Book from Clearview Energy Partners observed a decrease in oil prices since the October 7th attacks. The regional instability, including the seizure of the MT Hankuk Chemi by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, exacerbates concerns about the security of a major global trade artery.

Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration and Production Council, and others have expressed apprehensions over potential conflicts with Iran disrupting the global oil supply. The U.S. is working with international partners to secure trade routes, with the military downing drones near crucial straits and responding to maritime threats, such as the missile attack on an Israeli tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The reduction in tanker traffic and Iran's deceptive use of other nations' flags for shipments indicate a disruption in global trade that could provoke further aggression and have an inflationary impact on the economy.

In light of these tensions, the U.S. and Israel have reevaluated their emergency oil provision agreement to prioritize clean energy and natural gas production. Meanwhile, OPEC+ countries' decisions to cut oil output further complicate the global energy landscape. Amidst this backdrop, Bret Baier, Chief Political Anchor, has released his latest biography, "To Rescue the Constitution: George Washington and the Fragile American Experiment," adding a historical perspective to the current political climate.

As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the potential for increased instability in global oil markets, both of which hold significant implications for international relations and economic stability.

Conservative Bias:

Folks, once again, we're witnessing the absolute chaos that ensues when liberal policies and their sympathizers coddle terrorists. The breakdown of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a direct result of the weak-kneed diplomacy that the left champions. They're so busy wringing their hands over humanitarian aid that they fail to see the forest for the trees—the real issue here is terrorism. Hamas attacks, and what do the liberals do? They pressure Israel, our staunchest ally in the Middle East, to just open up their borders. It's no wonder the region is a powder keg. And let's talk about the oil prices, shall we? While the left is busy hobnobbing with the Iranians, who are nothing short of thugs on the high seas, Americans are suffering at the pump. It's clear as day that the Biden administration's foreign policy is empowering Iran and the Houthis, leading to more instability and higher oil prices. And this nonsense about prioritizing clean energy amidst a crisis? Pure liberal fantasy that's going to leave us all in the dark.

Liberal Bias:

In a stunning display of conservative heartlessness and their perpetual war-mongering, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated into a humanitarian disaster. The Israeli government, propped up by right-wing zealots, is blocking aid to starving people. Where's the compassion? Where's the humanity? Instead of extending a helping hand, conservatives are more interested in saber-rattling and flexing military muscle. And let's not ignore the elephant in the room—the global oil crisis, a direct result of conservative greed and their bedfellows in the fossil fuel industry. They're more concerned with lining their pockets than with the plight of the common person struggling with skyrocketing prices. The conservative agenda is clear: profit over people, war over peace, and it's the average citizen who pays the price for their callousness. The conservative complicity with authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia and their indifference to the suffering in Gaza is a stain on our nation's conscience.