Israel said on Sunday that it had stopped all delivery into Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Palestinian militant group Hamas, putting the population of war-beaten territory at risk of further deprivation.
“All commodities and supplies will enter the Gaza Strip,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept the framework to continue the talks proposed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without our hostages being released,” the statement said. “If Hamas insists on refusing, there will be other consequences.”
Hamas accused Netanyahu of violating the Ceasefire Agreement, which came into effect on January 19 more than 15 months after the war.
The group said in a telegram message that stopping humanitarian aid delivery was “immoral blackmail, war crimes and serious breach of agreements.”
Since the ceasefire came into effect, an increasing supply of aid has reached devastating coastal territory.
The pause in delivery could have huge consequences for approximately 2 million residents living in unstable situations.
The Israeli government said overnight that it had endorsed Witkoff’s proposal to extend a ceasefire at the Muslim fasting month ending on March 29 and the Jewish Passover ending on April 19.
The remaining half of the hostages in the Gaza Strip, whether alive or dead, will be released on the first day of the extended ceasefire, and if a permanent ceasefire is achieved, the remaining hostages will be released at the end of this period.
If Hamas disagrees with the release of the remaining hostages, Netanyahu threatens “further consequences” on Sunday.
At a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, he said: “There will not be free meals.”
He added: “It would be very wrong if Hamas believes it is possible to continue the ceasefire or enjoy the conditions of the first phase, and we do not restore the hostages.”
Four people died in Gaza
Also on Sunday, Hamas-operated Gaza Health Authority said four people have been killed in the Israeli attack despite the ceasefire.
It said in a statement that six people were injured and taken to the hospital.
The Israeli military said it had identified several suspects planting explosive devices near troops in northern Gaza.
It said the suspect was hit by the Israeli Air Force to “foil the threat.”
More than 100 Palestinians were killed in coastal territory as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect.
According to the Palestinian Health Agency, about 48,000 people were killed in Gaza in the current conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other groups invaded Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages of 250 people. These figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants’ casualties.
