Israel has halted all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, citing Hamas’s refusal to accept a ceasefire extension proposal put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The first phase of a ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., expired on Saturday.
While Israel has agreed to the proposed extension, Hamas has rejected it, calling Israel’s move to block aid a form of “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The militant group has urged mediators to step in and pressure Israel to allow humanitarian assistance to continue.
Ceasefire Deal Stalled as Israel and Hamas Disagree on Next Phases
The ceasefire agreement, initially proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden, was designed in three phases. The first phase, which began on January 19, allowed for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian detainees. The second phase is intended to bring about a permanent ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
However, negotiations for this stage have been slow, with Hamas demanding guarantees that phase two will occur before agreeing to an extension. The final phase would focus on returning the bodies of deceased hostages and initiating the long-term reconstruction of Gaza.
Israel Halts Gaza Aid as Ceasefire Talks Stall Over Hamas’s Rejection of U.S. ProposalAs the initial ceasefire phase ended, Israel announced its willingness to extend the truce for another six weeks, covering both Ramadan and Passover. However, it also made it clear that if negotiations failed to make progress, military operations would resume.
Witkoff’s proposal, which remains unpublished, reportedly suggested beginning the extension with the release of half of the remaining hostages, both living and dead. Israel claims that Hamas’s refusal to accept this proposal has led to the decision to cut off aid, with Prime Minister Netanyahu warning of further consequences if Hamas does not cooperate.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Aid Blockade Raises Global Concerns and Escalates Tensions
The blockade on humanitarian aid has drawn strong criticism from aid organizations and international actors. The World Food Programme (WFP) emphasized the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance, warning that Gaza’s population remains in dire need of food and medical supplies.
While aid agencies have stockpiled supplies, ensuring short-term relief, the longer-term implications of Israel’s decision could be severe. Egypt, which has played a key role in mediation, has urged Israel to uphold the ceasefire agreement and announced plans to present a Gaza reconstruction strategy at an upcoming emergency Arab summit.
The situation remains volatile, with reports of Israeli airstrikes killing four people in Gaza on Sunday. Israel stated that the strikes targeted individuals planting an explosive device in the northern part of the territory. Currently, there are believed to be 24 hostages still alive and 39 presumed dead.
The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas’s unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to the deaths of over 48,000 people in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health authorities. As tensions persist, the fate of the ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza remains uncertain.