Israel Blocks Entry Of Supplies Into Gaza As Ceasefire Ends

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip.

The statement read: “With the end of phase one of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing the talks—to which Israel agreed—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, starting this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.”

The Prime Minister’s office warned Hamas of consequences if a US-backed proposal by President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, to extend the ceasefire is not accepted.

“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences,” the statement read.

According to AP, it is still unclear whether all humanitarian aid deliveries have been entirely halted.

Also Read: Israel Not Ready for Permanent Ceasefire Yet, But Netanyahu Agrees to Pause War for Ramadan

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which included a surge in humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday.

The second phase of negotiations has yet to take place, in which Hamas was expected to release dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire.

Israel stated earlier on Sunday that it supports a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, until April 20.

Under that proposal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day, and the rest once an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, according to Netanyahu’s office.

Also Read: 'Enough of War!': Hamas Releases Heart-Wrenching Hostage Video Calling for Ceasefire, Israel Rejects it as 'Propaganda'

Hamas Responds

A Hamas spokesman called the move “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” on the ceasefire agreement, labeling it an act of extortion.

The group urged mediators and international community to pressure Israel into resuming the supply of aid.

The spokesman said: “Netanyahu’s decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation… The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people.”

Hamas insists that phase two of the deal must continue as originally negotiated, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with a permanent withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

(Inputs from AP)