Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his country had cut all humanitarian supplies in Gaza, saying that Hamas was flying aid and prevented them from reaching the people of Gaza.
In a statement, Netanyahu said: “We stop all the supplies in Gaza because Hamas steals supplies and prevents the inhabitants of Gaza from obtaining them.” He added that the situation prevented the correct distribution of humanitarian aid because Hamas blocks efforts to help the civilian population.
However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Saar, reported a difficult position, declaring: “The Palestinians in Gaza will not obtain free goods” and connecting future deliveries to the release of hostages.
Yesterday, Israel suspended the entry of all goods and humanitarian aid in Gaza, in order to put pressure on Hamas to accept new ceasefire conditions. This decision comes as the first phase of a fragile truce expired on Saturday, with negotiations on a second phase to progress.
The Israeli Prime office confirmed the decision on Sunday, warning new “consequences” if Hamas does not comply. “Israel will not allow a cease-fire without the release of our hostages,” said the declaration.
Hamas condemned the aid blockade, the appellant “cheap extortion, a war crime and a flagrant attack” against the ceasefire. He insisted that Israel must honor the initial agreement, which included negotiations for a permanent truce and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli Gaza forces.
The ceasefire, which started in January, was structured in three phases. In the first phase, Hamas published 33 Israeli hostages and five foreign nationals in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase was intended to see negotiations for the liberation of the remaining 59 hostages and a broader cessation of hostilities. However, Israel is now requesting a revised framework before proceeding.
Netanyahu’s office said ISRAEL had accepted a proposal for the American special shipment Steve Witkoff to extend the first phase of the truce for six weeks, covering Ramadan and the Jewish holidays of Passover, which ends on April 20. The plan would include the release of half of the remaining hostages, with the rest released only after an agreement for a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas rejected this revised calendar, saying that it does not correspond to the initial agreement. The group insists that the second phase must take place as initially planned, without conditional extensions.
Despite the ceasefire, the tensions remain high. Local health officials reported four Palestinian deaths following Israeli shots in the north and southern Gaza. The Israeli army said that its troops were targeting “suspects” who would have planted explosives near their positions.
Over the past six weeks, both parties have accused each other of having violated the agreement, but the truce has largely remained in place. However, fundamental disagreements persist, including the future governance of Gaza.
Israel insists that Hamas must be dismantled and play no role in the future of Gaza. Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, says that it is ready to withdraw but must be consulted on any post-war administration.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with more than 48,000 Palestinians killed and millions of people displaced since Israel launched its military offensive in response to the attacks of October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis and seen 251 hostages taken.
