Israel has halted all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire extension plan, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn territory.
Ceasefire Stalemate
The first phase of the temporary truce, which began on January 19, officially ended on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office stated that Hamas had rejected a proposed extension, which was introduced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and accepted by Israel.
A Hamas spokesperson denounced Israel’s decision as “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the original ceasefire agreement, calling on international mediators to intervene. Hamas has insisted that any extension must be tied to guarantees that the next phase of the truce will proceed as planned, which includes the release of remaining hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office defended the decision, stating:
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
Aid Blockade Raises Concerns
Humanitarian agencies confirmed that no aid trucks were allowed into Gaza on Sunday morning, raising alarm over the potential impact on civilians.
Antoine Renard from the World Food Programme (WFP) told the BBC:
“Humanitarian assistance must continue to flow into Gaza. It is essential. We are calling on all parties to find a solution.”
Although thousands of aid trucks had entered Gaza in previous weeks, relief agencies had stored some supplies in anticipation of disruptions, preventing immediate shortages for civilians.
Israel’s Proposal for Ceasefire Extension
Israel has stated that it agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire for six weeks, covering the period of Ramadan and Jewish Passover. According to Israeli sources, the plan, which U.S. envoy Witkoff has not publicly disclosed, would begin with Hamas releasing half of the remaining hostages, including both those alive and deceased.
If the extended ceasefire fails to result in progress toward a final agreement, Israel has reserved the right to resume military operations.
Casualties and Ongoing Fighting
Despite the ceasefire efforts, violence continued on Sunday, with medics reporting that four Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military stated that its forces targeted individuals planting explosive devices in northern Gaza.
The War So Far
The 15-month conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s air and ground campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 48,365 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Phase one of the ceasefire saw the exchange of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, discussions for phase two, which involves the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, have made little progress.
Currently, 24 hostages are believed to be alive, while 39 others are presumed dead.
Egypt Calls for Diplomatic Action
Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict, has urged for the full implementation of the original ceasefire agreement. Cairo has also announced that it will present a Gaza reconstruction plan at an emergency Arab summit on Tuesday, emphasizing that displaced Palestinians should not be permanently forced from their homes.
As diplomatic efforts stall, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains fragile, with growing concerns over how long civilians can endure without additional aid.
