Tel Aviv: Israel announced on Sunday that it is halting the entry of all aid and supplies into the Gaza Strip, warning of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept a new proposal to extend the ceasefire.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of attempting to derail the fragile truce, calling the decision to cut off aid “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack on the ceasefire agreement.” The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire as tensions escalate over the stalled negotiations.
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which had allowed an increase in humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday. Talks on a second phase remain unresolved. Under the proposed terms, Hamas would release dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.
Israel said earlier on Sunday that it backs a plan to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, lasting until April 20. The proposal, reportedly initiated by the Trump administration's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, outlines that Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the remainder once a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
There was no immediate comment from the United States, Egypt, or Qatar, who have been mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas for more than a year.
With PTI inputs