Israel has stopped the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza, warning of “additional consequences” if Hamas refuses to accept a new ceasefire proposal aimed at extending the fragile truce.
Ceasefire Tensions Escalate
The move came as the first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19 and expired on Saturday. While the truce initially allowed hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza daily, the second phase remains unnegotiated, with Hamas expected to release remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire.
Hamas accused Israel of trying to derail the truce, calling the aid cutoff “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack” on the agreement.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, stated that the decision to suspend aid was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
However, there was no immediate comment from the U.S. on Israel’s latest actions.
New Ceasefire Proposal & Hostage Negotiations
Israel’s new proposal, reportedly backed by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, seeks to extend the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, ending on April 20.
The terms require Hamas to release half the hostages on day one, with the remainder freed once a permanent ceasefire deal is finalised.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed Israel’s willingness to negotiate but insisted that more hostages must be freed during discussions.
He also cited a Biden administration letter, clarifying there was no automatic transition between phases of the truce.
Meanwhile, Hamas maintains that the only way to secure hostage releases is by implementing the existing deal, which does not specify a timeline.
The group is reportedly willing to free all hostages in Phase 2 but demands an Israeli withdrawal, a permanent ceasefire, and the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
Ongoing Clashes & Humanitarian Concerns
Despite the truce, violence continues. On Sunday, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in an airstrike in northern Gaza, claiming they were planting explosives.
During the initial six-week phase, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of 8 others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, the period was marked by disputes, with each side accusing the other of violations.
Israel, which initially imposed a complete siege on Gaza, has faced global criticism for allegedly restricting aid flows.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) previously accused Israel of using starvation as a warfare method, an allegation also central to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Israel denies the allegations, blaming the UN for distribution failures and accusing Hamas of diverting aid.
Conflict Background & Casualties
The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 32 believed to be dead.
Israel’s offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which claims over half were women and children but does not specify how many were combatants. The conflict has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with most now reliant on international aid.
