Rabat – Following the expiration of the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel suspended today the flow of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “as of this morning, entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted.”
The Israeli side attributed this decision to Hamas’ stance to not extend the first phase, as this amendment was not a part of the original ceasefire agreement.
The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement, implemented on January 19, officially concluded at midnight Saturday.
Israel has sought to extend this initial exchange phase to secure the release of more Israeli hostages, but the Palestinian group has insisted that Israel adhere to the original terms and timeline of the deal.
Hamas demands that Israel begin negotiations for the second phase of the agreement, as was planned, which would include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to hostilities.
However, in violation of the pact, Netanyahu’s government has not agreed to move forward.
Israel’s statement warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas maintains its position.
According to Israeli Channel 14, this humanitarian aid suspension was coordinated with Israel’s closest ally, the United States.
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Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commended the inhumane decision, advocating for even stronger measures.
“This policy should remain in place until the last hostage returns. Now is the time to open the gates of hell, cut electricity and water, and resume the war,” he said in a statement.
Hamas senior official Sami Abu Zuhri responded that although halting aid entry to Gaza “complicates matters and affects the negotiation process,” the group “doesn’t respond to pressure.”
Legal challenges have mounted against Israeli leadership, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November for war crimes against humanity in Gaza.
