Israel has halted all humanitarian aid and goods from entering the Gaza Strip as of Sunday, warning of further repercussions after Hamas rejected its proposal to extend the initial phase of a fragile ceasefire.
The first phase of the ceasefire expired on Saturday, and negotiations for the next phase, which aimed to bring an end to the conflict, have been stalled for weeks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision following an overnight security meeting, stating that all goods and supplies entering Gaza would be stopped. He warned that if Hamas continued to reject the proposal, there would be additional consequences.
The proposal, developed with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, sought to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, with the phased release of hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire agreement.
Hamas rejected the plan, insisting that negotiations move directly to the second phase, which would involve the release of more hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a permanent end to hostilities. The group condemned Israel’s decision to halt aid, calling it an act of “blackmail” and urging mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to pressure Israel into honoring humanitarian commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
Since Sunday morning, no aid trucks have entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. According to Israeli reports, more than 4,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire began on January 19. The initial ceasefire had led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners, temporarily pausing months of fighting.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli officials report around 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage in the initial attack, while Gaza’s Health Ministry states that Israel’s military response has led to over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread destruction, and mass displacement of its 2.3 million residents.
Netanyahu’s decision to cut off aid has been welcomed by far-right Israeli lawmakers, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling it “an important step in the right direction.”
