Israel blocks humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas rejects ceasefire extension proposal
Israeli officials announced on Sunday that they are halting the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip and warned Hamas of “additional consequences” if they do not accept a new proposal for an extended ceasefire. This decision came after the first phase of the hostages deal concluded and Hamas refused to accept the framework proposed by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that as of that morning, all goods and supplies to Gaza would be stopped. The statement also emphasized that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire without the release of their hostages and warned of further consequences if Hamas continued to refuse. Hamas, on the other hand, accused Israel of attempting to derail the ceasefire and called the decision to cut off aid “cheap extortion” and a “war crime.”
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which included an increase in humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday. The two sides have not yet negotiated the second phase, which involves the release of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a permanent ceasefire. Israeli officials revealed that the decision to suspend aid was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
Hamas criticized Israel’s decision to halt aid, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement and an act of blackmail against the population of Gaza. The terrorist group claimed that deliveries were supposed to continue as negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire were ongoing.
Under the proposed extension of the ceasefire, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages on the first day and the rest upon reaching an agreement on a permanent ceasefire. In the first phase, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The ceasefire also saw Israeli forces pulling back from most of Gaza and allowed a surge of humanitarian aid into the region.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel in October 2023, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 251. Israel’s offensive in response to Hamas’ attack has led to the death of more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and urging both parties to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
