While coordinating with Donald Trump’s administration, Israel is now blocking all humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas declined a new proposal for a ceasefire extension.
On Sunday (March 2), Israeli officials revealed they are halting entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. Israel’s announcement also included a warning that Hamas would face “additional consequences” if it does not accept the new proposal for a ceasefire extension.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office took to X to share the warning. The message reads:
“With the conclusion of the 1st stage of the hostages deal and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the [U.S. Mideast envoy Steve] Witkoff framework for the continuation of the talks, to which Israel agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted. Israel will not allow a ceasefire without a release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, there will be additional consequences.”
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Hamas Responds To Israel Cutting Off Humanitarian Aid After Rejecting Ceasefire Extension
Meanwhile, Hamas is accusing Israel of trying to sabotage their fragile truce. Hamas says the decision to cut off aid to Gaza was “cheap extortion, a war crime and a blatant attack on the [ceasefire] agreement.”
In a statement, Hamas says:
“The occupation’s announcement of halting the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip is yet another confirmation of its failure to uphold its commitments and its evasion of obligations under the ceasefire agreement. This reflects its ugly criminal face and constitutes a continuation of the genocide against our people, as well as an act of blackmail targeting an entire population by depriving them of food, water, and medicine.”
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Trump Administration Backs Israel Cutting Off Aid To Hamas In Gaza Over Ceasefire Extension
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire — which included an increase in humanitarian assistance — expired on Saturday (March 1). Thus, a second phase of the agreement is needed, but the two sides have not yet negotiated the terms. In the second phase, Hamas is supposed to release dozens of remaining hostages in return for the removal of all Israelis and a permanent ceasefire.
An official in Israel said the decision to suspend aid to Hamas/Gaza was made in coordination with the Trump administration. Ahead of the Israeli announcement, officials first said they support a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or at the latest April 20. Officials further noted that the extension proposal came from the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
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