Israel blocks all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, after Hamas demands ceasefire extension
Israel has imposed a blockade on all humanitarian aid to Gaza as it presses Hamas to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension. The first phase of the ceasefire expired on Saturday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Hamas had not yet accepted a temporary extension proposed by U.S. Ambassador Steve Witkoff.
A Hamas spokesman said the aid blockade for Gaza was “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” (revolt) on the ceasefire agreement, and they called for mediators to intervene.
The Palestinian group wants the second phase of the deal to be implemented as before, including the release of prisoners and the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas has previously said it will not accept any guarantees for an extension of the first phase until the US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators confirm the second phase.
"Following the conclusion of the first phase of the hostage agreement and Hamas' rejection of Witkoff's proposed offer to continue negotiations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that all goods and aid flows across the Gaza border will be closed as of this morning," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
Netanyahu added, "Israel will not accept any ceasefire until our hostages are released. If Hamas continues to refuse them, there will be further consequences."
“Netanyahu’s decision once again highlights the ugly face of the Israeli occupation… The international community should put pressure on the Israeli government so that they do not starve our people,” said a Hamas spokesman.
Last night, Netanyahu's office said that Israel had accepted a US proposal to extend the ceasefire for six weeks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. At the end of this period, if the talks fail to reach a fruitful conclusion, Israel reserves the right to resume hostilities.
US Ambassador Witkoff did not make his proposal public, but Israel said it would begin with the release of half of the 24 living and dead hostages.
Hamas launched an incredible attack on October 7, 2023, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched air and ground attacks on Gaza, killing at least 48,365 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
