Israel blocks humanitarian aid to Gaza amid ceasefire dispute with Hamas

The Israeli government has announced it will block all humanitarian aid into Gaza following the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Hamas refused to accept a proposed temporary extension of the ceasefire, a plan presented by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. The refusal prompted Israel’s decision to halt aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

A Hamas spokesperson condemned Israel's actions, calling the move "cheap blackmail" and a "coup" against the ceasefire agreement. The spokesperson urged international mediators to press Israel to resume the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Hamas is demanding that phase two of the deal, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, proceed as originally negotiated. On February 28 evening, Hamas stated it would not agree to an extension of phase one without firm guarantees from US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators that phase two would eventually take place.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office read: “With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks — to which Israel agreed — Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.” The statement continued, “Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.” In response, the Hamas spokesperson criticised Netanyahu's decision, stating, “Netanyahu’s decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation... The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people.” Later, Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel had agreed to a US proposal for a six-week ceasefire, which would cover the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods. If talks break down at the end of this period, Israel would reserve the right to resume military action. 

Although US envoy Steve Witkoff has not publicly revealed his proposal, Israel claims that it would begin with the release of half of the remaining living and deceased hostages. Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would immediately begin negotiations if Hamas changes its position on the six-week ceasefire extension. The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, officially expired on March 1. This phase halted 15 months of conflict between Hamas and the Israeli military, resulting in the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. 

However, discussions for phase two, which includes the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, have barely begun. Currently, it is believed that 24 hostages are still alive, with 39 others presumed dead.

The conflict escalated after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with air and ground operations in Gaza, resulting in at least 48,365 deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

By Naila Huseynova