Israel has announced the suspension of all supply entries into Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to agree to a proposed extension of the ongoing ceasefire. The decision, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adds new tension to an already fragile truce and raises concerns about the humanitarian situation in the war-torn Palestinian territory.
Israel’s Stand on Hostage Release
A statement from Netanyahu’s office on Sunday confirmed that, effective immediately, the movement of goods into Gaza would be halted. The prime minister emphasized that Israel would not agree to a ceasefire unless Hamas released the remaining hostages.
“Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists with its refusal, there will be other consequences,” the statement read.
The suspension of supplies comes as the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire agreement reached its conclusion. The agreement, mediated by international parties, aimed to pause hostilities and allow for hostage-prisoner exchanges while facilitating humanitarian aid to the embattled region.
Hamas Condemns the Move
In response, Hamas strongly condemned Israel’s decision, calling it a “war crime” and accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire.
“Netanyahu’s decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime, and a blatant coup against the (ceasefire) agreement,” Hamas stated, urging international mediators to intervene.
Hamas has expressed willingness to transition into the next phase of the truce, which would involve a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza. However, negotiations remain stalled over the specifics of the deal.
Proposed Ceasefire Extension
According to Israeli officials, the proposed extension—put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff—would last through Ramadan and end at Passover in mid-April.
Under the proposed terms, half of the remaining hostages in Gaza would be released on the day the deal takes effect, with the rest freed at the end of the extension. However, the proposal has not yet been finalized, and Hamas has raised concerns over the implementation of the agreement.
Political Reactions in Israel
Following Netanyahu’s announcement, Israeli government spokesman Omer Dostri confirmed on social media platform X that “no trucks entered Gaza this morning, nor will they at this stage.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in Netanyahu’s government, praised the decision to halt aid. Smotrich called for a complete victory over Hamas, stating that stopping aid until Hamas is “destroyed or completely surrenders” was a step in the right direction.
“We have remained in government to ensure this,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to Israel’s military objectives in Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns
The suspension of aid comes amid growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the region is on the brink of famine, with civilians facing dire shortages of food, medical supplies, and other necessities. The ceasefire had allowed a surge in aid deliveries, but with Israel’s latest move, relief efforts face significant setbacks.
Hamas called on international mediators and humanitarian organizations to pressure Israel to reverse its decision.
“More than two million people in the Gaza Strip are being subjected to punitive, immoral measures,” Hamas said in a statement, urging global intervention to prevent further suffering.
As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts continue to find a resolution that balances humanitarian needs with political and security demands.
The fate of the ceasefire, as well as the potential release of hostages, remains uncertain as tensions between Israel and Hamas persist.
