Trucks carrying mobile homes wait at the Rafah border crossing. (Photo by Ali Moustafa/Getty Images)
(EPICSTORIAN) — Israel has shut down all humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza after Hamas rejected an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire agreement.
The decision follows the expiration of a deal that had facilitated the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees since January, CNN reported Earlier.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the blockade, citing Hamas’ refusal to accept a US-backed framework for continuing negotiations.
“With the completion of Phase A of the hostage deal and Hamas’ rejection of the proposal, all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza has been stopped,” Netanyahu announced.
Aid Suspension Deepens Crisis
The initial agreement resulted in the release of 33 Israeli hostages, eight bodies, and over 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel sought to prolong this arrangement to secure additional hostage releases, while Hamas insisted on moving to the next phase, which calls for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that while discussions remain open, an automatic transition to the next phase was never guaranteed. “We have halted the entry of trucks into Gaza. We wouldn’t do it for free,” Sa’ar said.
Gaza Faces Worsening Shortages
Seventeen months of war have left Gaza in ruins, with over 45,000 reported deaths. The aid cutoff raises concerns over worsening conditions for civilians who rely on food, medical supplies, and essential goods.
Hamas condemned the blockade, calling it an act of “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime.” Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestine National Initiative, warned that cutting off humanitarian aid violates ceasefire terms.
“Using humanitarian aid as a political tool is a blatant violation of basic human rights,” Dr. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director General of Hamas’ Government Media Office, stated.
Hostage Negotiations at an Impasse
Israeli negotiators returned from Cairo without a deal after efforts to secure an extension failed. Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi insisted that negotiations must follow the agreed-upon framework.
“The only path to regional stability and the return of prisoners is implementing the deal in full, starting with the second phase,” he said.
A recently released Hamas video showed Israeli hostages still in captivity. One scene featured Iair Horn, who was freed, bidding farewell to his brother Eitan, still held after 512 days.
The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged immediate action, stating, “Do not stop the agreement that has already brought dozens of hostages home. Time is running out.”
Netanyahu’s office condemned the footage as psychological warfare. Officials maintain that further hostage releases must occur before any ceasefire agreement continues, warning of additional consequences if Hamas refuses.
Uncertain Path
Ceasefire terms initially allowed negotiations to sustain the truce, but stalled talks and Israel’s hardened stance have reignited tensions.
Mediation efforts by Egypt, the US, and Qatar continue, yet no lasting resolution has been reached so far.
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However, there is strong fear that with aid supplies cut off and no immediate breakthrough in sight, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is expected to deepen as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction.
