Israel has officially halted all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, citing Hamas's refusal to accept a proposed ceasefire extension brokered by the United States. The blockade, which took effect immediately after the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire, has sparked international concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
The decision comes amid stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the next phase of the truce, which was initially set to involve further hostage releases and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office justified the move by stating that no further ceasefire agreements would be implemented unless Hamas agreed to the terms of a proposed six-week extension.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, brought a temporary halt to hostilities after more than a year of intense conflict. Under the initial agreement, Hamas released 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for the release of approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. However, negotiations on the second phase—aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and implementing a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops—have hit a deadlock.
According to Israeli officials, the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed an extended ceasefire lasting six weeks to allow more time for negotiations. Under this plan, Hamas would be required to release half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, as a condition for continuing diplomatic talks.
Hamas, however, has resisted the terms of this extension, stating that it will not agree to any continuation of the truce without explicit guarantees from mediators—including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt—that the next phase of negotiations will ultimately lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
In response to Hamas’s refusal, Netanyahu’s office issued a firm statement announcing the blockade of humanitarian aid:
“With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks—to which Israel agreed—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.
"Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
The decision to block aid has been met with condemnation from international humanitarian organizations, which have warned of the devastating impact on civilians in Gaza. The enclave, already suffering from severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, is now facing an even graver crisis.
A spokesperson for Hamas denounced Israel’s actions as an attempt to pressure the group into accepting an unfavorable deal, accusing Netanyahu’s government of breaching prior agreements.
“Netanyahu's decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation. This is nothing but a form of collective punishment against our people. The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people.”
Hamas called on international mediators, particularly Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to intervene and ensure that humanitarian aid continues to flow into Gaza.
The blockade has already had immediate effects on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where millions of civilians rely on aid for survival. The United Nations and other relief organizations have repeatedly warned that the region is on the brink of catastrophe, with critical shortages of water, food, and medical supplies.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a statement urging Israel to allow aid shipments to continue:
“The humanitarian needs in Gaza are immense. Halting the flow of essential supplies will have dire consequences for innocent civilians, many of whom are already facing famine-like conditions. We call on all parties to ensure unhindered humanitarian access.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) also expressed concern, noting that hospitals in Gaza are struggling to cope with a surge in wounded patients, while medical facilities are running dangerously low on essential supplies.
The international community has responded with growing concern over Israel’s decision to cut off aid to Gaza. The United Nations, European Union, and humanitarian organizations have called on Israel to reconsider its position and allow essential goods to be delivered.
The United States, which played a key role in brokering the initial ceasefire, has yet to release an official statement on the blockade. However, reports indicate that U.S. officials are working behind the scenes to revive negotiations and prevent a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Egypt and Qatar, both of which have acted as mediators in previous negotiations, have also intensified their diplomatic efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiating table. Egyptian officials have warned that prolonging the blockade could inflame tensions and derail the already fragile peace process.
With aid deliveries halted and ceasefire negotiations at an impasse, the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile. If no agreement is reached in the coming days, Israel has signaled that it may resume military operations, potentially leading to renewed violence and further casualties.
Hamas, on the other hand, has insisted that it will not accept any deal that does not guarantee an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This hardline stance, coupled with Netanyahu’s firm position on hostage releases, makes it unclear how a resolution will be reached.
For now, millions of civilians in Gaza are left in limbo, caught between political deadlock and an escalating humanitarian crisis. As international mediators scramble to find a solution, the world watches anxiously, hoping that diplomacy can prevail before the situation worsens further.
