On Sunday, Israel halted the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. However, it was not verified whether the provision of aid had been entirely stopped.
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister refrained from providing specifics about the decision but cautioned of “further repercussions” if Hamas does not agree to what Israel claims is a US initiative for extending the ceasefire.
The initial phase of the Israel-Hamas truce, which featured an increase in humanitarian aid, concluded on Saturday.
The two parties have not yet discussed the second phase, where Hamas would free many remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.
ALSO READ: Three planes breach airspace over Trump’s Florida resort
Previously, Israel indicated its support for a plan to prolong the initial phase of the ceasefire until Ramadan and Passover, which is on April 20. It stated that the suggestion originated from Steve Witkoff, the Mideast envoy of the Trump administration.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the proposal states that Hamas will free half of the hostages on the first day and the remainder once a permanent ceasefire agreement is established.
In reaction to the statement from Netanyahu’s office, Hamas senior official Mahmoud Mardawi stated that it clearly confirms Israel’s repudiation of the agreements it had signed before.
“This continued manipulation will not return the hostages to their families.. But on the contrary… it will lead to their continued suffering and endangering their lives,” Mardawi was quoted as saying in Palestinian media including by the Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency.
ALSO READ: Haryana Congress worker Himani Narwal’s body found in Rohtak
The ceasefire agreement ended 15 months of conflict starting on January 19, enabling the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais taken during Hamas’ attack on October 7 for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees detained by Israel.
It was intended to facilitate future discussions to enhance the ceasefire agreement.
