The Israeli government has announced that it has halted the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas.
In a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, it was revealed that Hamas has thus far declined to agree to a temporary extension of the ceasefire, as proposed by US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.A spokesman for Hamas characterized the action as “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” against the ceasefire agreement, calling on mediators to pressure Israel into reinstating the flow of aid.
The Palestinian group is advocating for the implementation of phase two of the agreement as initially outlined, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
On Friday night, Hamas announced its refusal to accept any extension of phase one unless it receives assurances from mediators in the United States, Qatar, and Egypt that phase two will ultimately occur.
A statement released by the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated that, following the conclusion of Phase 1 of the hostage agreement and Hamas’s rejection of the Witkoff proposal for ongoing negotiations—an outline that Israel had consented to—the Prime Minister has made the decision to halt all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip effective immediately.
Israel has made it clear that a ceasefire will not be permitted unless the release of hostages is secured. “Should Hamas persist in its refusal, additional repercussions will follow.”
A spokesman for Hamas stated, “Netanyahu’s decision to halt aid into Gaza once again reveals the harsh reality of the Israeli occupation…” There is a growing call for the international community to exert pressure on the Israeli government to address the humanitarian crisis affecting the population.
In a statement released late last night, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had accepted a US proposal to extend the ceasefire for approximately six weeks, coinciding with the observance of Ramadan in the Muslim faith and Passover in the Jewish tradition.
Should negotiations falter and reach an impasse by the conclusion of this period, Israel would maintain the option to resume military action.
The proposal put forth by US envoy Witkoff remains undisclosed to the public. Israel has announced that it plans to initiate the process by releasing half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that negotiations would commence immediately should Hamas alter its stance regarding the six-week extension of the ceasefire.
Details have emerged regarding the Israeli hostages who have been released and rescued from Gaza. The identities and circumstances surrounding their release are currently under scrutiny Gaza faces an arduous journey of reconstruction, starting from the ground up.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which was implemented on January 19, officially ended on Saturday.The ceasefire brought an end to 15 months of conflict between Hamas and the Israeli military, facilitating the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Negotiations regarding the second phase, which encompasses the release of all remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, have only just commenced.Reports indicate that 24 hostages are currently believed to be alive, while 39 others are presumed dead.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 others.
In a significant escalation, Israel has launched an air and ground campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a reported death toll of at least 48,365 individuals, as stated by the health ministry operated by Hamas in the territory.
