Israel announced on Sunday that it has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza following the expiration of the first phase of its ceasefire deal with Hamas.
The decision came after Hamas rejected an extension proposed by the United States, which Israel had agreed to.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which began in mid-January, saw the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
As it expired on Saturday, Israel sought to continue the arrangement, allowing for the exchange of hostages, both living and deceased, in return for more Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid into Gaza.
However, Hamas has pushed for the deal to advance to the next phase, accusing Israel of stalling and manipulation.
Hamas has insisted that the second phase must include negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the reconstruction of the war-torn enclave before discussing further prisoner exchanges.
“This is what we insist on, and we will not back down from it,” stated Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi.
In response to Hamas’ refusal, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered an immediate halt to all aid entering Gaza.
“With the completion of Phase A of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff framework for continuing the talks, which Israel had agreed to, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be stopped,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated on Sunday.
Israeli spokesman Omer Dostri confirmed that no trucks carrying aid were allowed into Gaza.
“Convoys of goods trucks that are now seen on their way to Gaza arrive at the crossing only to find that it is closed and that there is no entry,” he said.
Palestinian officials condemned Israel’s decision, with Mustafa Barghouti of the Palestine National Initiative calling the move “a dangerous Israeli escalation” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The ongoing conflict, now in its 17th month, has devastated Gaza, leaving much of it in ruins and over 45,000 people dead.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with nearly all of Gaza’s residents struggling to survive.
Meanwhile, Israel has refused to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, the border area between Gaza and Egypt, citing concerns about arms smuggling to Hamas.
The original ceasefire deal allowed for its continuation as long as negotiations were ongoing, but talks appear to have stalled.
An Israeli delegation returned abruptly from Cairo on Friday, signaling uncertainty in the negotiations.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Israel had been trying to prolong the first phase “by as much as possible” to secure the release of more hostages.
Many of these hostages were taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
On Saturday, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Israeli hostages, including a moment where recently freed captive Iair Horn bid farewell to his brother Eitan, who remains in captivity after 512 days.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters authorized the video’s publication, urging decision-makers to act swiftly.
“We demand from the decision-makers: Look Eitan in the eyes. Don’t stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages back to us. They are running out of time! Bring everyone home, now, in one phase,” they said.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office denounced the video as cruel “psychological warfare.”
During the ceasefire, 33 Israeli hostages were freed, including two men who had been held in Gaza for a decade. Five Thai citizens abducted from a kibbutz in southern Israel were also released.
In total, eight bodies were returned, including those of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons—an emotional moment for many Israelis.
In exchange, 1,737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released, including 120 women and children. Around 1,000 of those freed had been arrested following the October 7 attacks, while others had served long sentences, with some spending decades in Israeli prisons.
With no clear path forward in negotiations, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel enforces its latest blockade, escalating tensions in the region.
