Israel has announced the cessation of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, further straining ceasefire negotiations with Hamas as the first phase of the hostage deal came to an end, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement on Sunday.
The move, which Hamas has termed “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, comes amid uncertainty over the second phase of the deal, which was brokered with the involvement of the United States.
The initial agreement, which expired on Saturday, was aimed at securing the gradual release of captives held in Gaza in exchange for a phased ceasefire. However, with talks on the next phase remaining inconclusive, Israel has warned Hamas of “consequences” if it fails to accept the terms laid out in the negotiations, Netanyahu’s office said.
According to details of the US-backed plan, half of the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—were to be released immediately, with the rest freed if a permanent ceasefire was reached. But Israel has now threatened to resume military operations should the negotiations fail to yield results.
“The State of Israel will not proceed with the next phase unless Hamas abides by the conditions set forth,” the Israeli statement said, adding that “all entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza is now halted.”
Hamas, for its part, has accused Israel of reneging on its commitments, calling the move a “coup against the agreement” and warning of severe repercussions.
The suspension of aid deliveries is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands remain displaced and dependent on external assistance.
Talks on reviving the ceasefire remain ongoing, but with tensions escalating and no breakthrough in sight, the risk of renewed hostilities looms large over the region.
