Israel announced on Sunday that it has halted the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip, warning of further consequences if Hamas does not accept a US-backed proposal to extend the ceasefire.
However, it remains unclear whether humanitarian aid deliveries have been entirely stopped.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed warnings of famine in Gaza as “a lie” following the suspension of aid. “With regards to this starvation [claim], that was a lie during all this war,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Hamas accused Israel of attempting to derail the fragile ceasefire by cutting off aid, calling the move “cheap extortion, a war crime and a blatant attack on the agreement.” The first phase of the ceasefire, which allowed increased humanitarian aid, expired on Saturday. The second phase, which would involve Hamas releasing remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire, has yet to be negotiated.
Israel said it supports a proposal to extend the ceasefire until April 20, covering both Ramadan and Passover. The plan, reportedly suggested by Trump administration’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, calls for Hamas to release half of the hostages immediately and the rest upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar—key mediators—have not yet commented on the proposal, and Hamas has not issued a formal response.
However, it remains unclear whether humanitarian aid deliveries have been entirely stopped.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed warnings of famine in Gaza as “a lie” following the suspension of aid. “With regards to this starvation [claim], that was a lie during all this war,” Saar said at a press conference in Jerusalem.
Hamas accused Israel of attempting to derail the fragile ceasefire by cutting off aid, calling the move “cheap extortion, a war crime and a blatant attack on the agreement.” The first phase of the ceasefire, which allowed increased humanitarian aid, expired on Saturday. The second phase, which would involve Hamas releasing remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire, has yet to be negotiated.
Israel said it supports a proposal to extend the ceasefire until April 20, covering both Ramadan and Passover. The plan, reportedly suggested by Trump administration’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, calls for Hamas to release half of the hostages immediately and the rest upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar—key mediators—have not yet commented on the proposal, and Hamas has not issued a formal response.
