Israel Halts Gaza Aid as Hamas Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Extension

Israel has stopped all aid deliveries to Gaza after Hamas rejected a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the ceasefire. The deal sought to prolong the truce through Ramadan and Passover in exchange for the phased release of Israeli hostages. Israel warned of “further consequences” if Hamas refuses. Hamas accused Israel of blackmail and violating the original agreement. Aid groups report famine-like conditions in Gaza, where two million people rely on humanitarian relief. Since January, 21,000 aid trucks entered Gaza. The aid suspension raises fears of worsening conditions. Negotiations in Cairo failed to resolve the deadlock.

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• Israel Halts Gaza Aid Over Ceasefire Dispute with Hamas

Israel Halts Gaza Aid as Hamas Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Extension

Israel has halted the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to accept a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase of the six-week ceasefire. The proposal, backed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, aimed to prolong the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, securing the release of the remaining 59 Israeli hostages. Under the proposed deal, Hamas would release half of the hostages at the start of a seven-week truce, with the remainder freed if both sides agree on a permanent end to the conflict.

The Israeli government warned of “further consequences” if Hamas continues to reject the offer, emphasizing that no ceasefire will continue without hostage releases. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of blackmail, calling the aid stoppage a war crime and a violation of the original ceasefire agreement. The group urged international intervention to prevent humanitarian suffering in Gaza, where aid organizations report famine-like conditions affecting two million people.

Since the ceasefire began in January, around 21,000 trucks of aid have entered Gaza, improving access to food and essential supplies. However, with the aid suspension, concerns grow over worsening conditions for Palestinians already reliant on humanitarian relief.

Israel Halts Gaza Aid Over Ceasefire Dispute with Hamas

Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza, demanding that Hamas accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire extension. The initial phase of the ceasefire ended on Saturday, but Hamas has rejected the proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, insisting on guarantees for the next phase, which includes hostage and prisoner exchanges and an Israeli withdrawal.

Israel warned of further consequences if Hamas does not comply, stating it will not agree to a ceasefire without hostage releases. Aid agencies confirmed that no humanitarian supplies entered Gaza on Sunday, though existing stockpiles prevent an immediate crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed four people in Gaza, targeting individuals allegedly planting explosives.

The ceasefire, in place since January 19, previously allowed the exchange of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations on the second phase remain stalled. Reports indicate that 24 hostages are still alive, while 39 are presumed dead.

The conflict, which began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people, has resulted in over 48,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The attack, which saw Hamas militants breach Israeli borders, led to widespread violence, hostage-taking, and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. Israel responded with an extensive military campaign, targeting Hamas positions but also causing massive destruction to infrastructure and civilian areas in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation has worsened significantly, with widespread displacement, food and medical shortages, and the destruction of essential services. International efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire have faced repeated setbacks, with negotiations frequently stalling over demands related to hostages, prisoner releases, and long-term security guarantees. Meanwhile, global reactions remain divided, with some nations condemning Israel’s blockade and military actions, while others emphasize Hamas’ responsibility for the ongoing conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.