Gaza Aid Blocked Amidst Ceasefire Extension Dispute
Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to rebuild following the initial phase of a fragile ceasefire, which has now expired. Israel has halted all humanitarian aid entry into Gaza, demanding Hamas agree to a US-proposed ceasefire extension.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19th, ended on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas rejected a temporary extension under a plan by US envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas, however, condemned the aid blockade as “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the ceasefire, urging mediators to intervene.
Hamas insists on moving to phase two of the agreement, which includes the release of remaining hostages, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They previously stated they would not agree to an extension without guarantees from US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators that phase two would proceed.
Netanyahu’s office declared that aid would cease until Hamas accepts the Witkoff plan, emphasizing, “Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
Later, Netanyahu’s office announced Israel had agreed to a US proposal for a six-week ceasefire extension during Ramadan and Passover, reserving the right to resume hostilities if negotiations fail. The Witkoff proposal, which has not been made public, reportedly involves the release of half of the remaining hostages.
Aid agencies confirmed no aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday morning. The World Food Programme (WFP) stressed the essential need for continuous humanitarian assistance and called on all parties to find a solution. While aid agencies have stockpiled supplies, preventing immediate shortages, the situation remains precarious.
Meanwhile, medics reported four Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, with the Israeli military stating they targeted individuals planting explosives.
The initial ceasefire phase saw the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations on phase two, including the release of remaining hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal, have made minimal progress.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, has led to a devastating Israeli response. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 48,365 Palestinians have been killed.