In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has officially blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This decision comes as the Israeli government insists that Hamas must agree to a proposed extension of the ceasefire orchestrated by the United States.
Ceasefire negotiations in limbo
The first phase of the ceasefire, which commenced on January 19, expired on Saturday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has indicated that Hamas has not accepted a temporary extension under a proposal put forth by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. A spokesman for Hamas condemned Israel’s actions as “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement, calling for intervention from mediators.
Hamas is advocating for the advancement of the second phase of the ceasefire, which was originally negotiated to include the release of hostages, the liberation of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza. The group has made it clear that it will not agree to an extension of the current ceasefire phase without firm guarantees from U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators regarding the implementation of phase two.
“With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s 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,”
Netanyahu’s office stated, emphasizing that Israel will not allow a ceasefire to continue without the release of hostages. They warned of further consequences if Hamas persists in its refusal to negotiate.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
The Hamas representative responded to Netanyahu’s announcement, 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.” The humanitarian situation in Gaza has already been dire, and the complete halt of aid is expected to exacerbate the crisis.
Late last night, Netanyahu’s office revealed that Israel had initially agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire for approximately six weeks, coinciding with the Muslim month of Ramadan and the Jewish Passover. However, this extension hinges on the outcome of negotiations. Should these talks falter, Israel reserves the right to resume military operations.
The specifics of Witkoff’s proposal remain undisclosed, but it reportedly includes the release of half of all remaining hostages, both living and deceased. Witkoff’s suggestion for the extension was made following a belief that additional time was necessary to mediate the stark differences between Israel and Hamas regarding the war’s conclusion.
Negotiations around the second phase have barely commenced, despite the first phase resulting in a temporary halt to the hostilities that had persisted for 15 months. During this period, 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages were released in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Currently, it is believed that 24 hostages are still alive, while another 39 are presumed dead. The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel’s subsequent air and ground campaign in Gaza has led to a devastating toll, with reports indicating at least 48,365 fatalities in the territory according to the Hamas-run health ministry.