Israel Halts Gaza Aid Amid Ceasefire Standoff

Israel has announced a halt to all humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

The decision follows the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with Israel now backing a U.S. proposal to extend the truce for six weeks.

Netanyahu described the extension—which would see half of the remaining Israeli hostages released immediately—as a “corridor” to the second phase of the original framework. He warned Hamas of “consequences” if it rejected the plan.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by blocking aid and called on mediators to pressure Israel to honor the original terms of the agreement. The group labeled the aid suspension as “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime.”

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. After nearly five months of Israeli bombardment, much of the enclave lies in ruins, with severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine, with displaced families struggling to survive amid collapsing infrastructure and ongoing violence.

The International Committee of the Red Cross urged for the ceasefire to be maintained, warning that any collapse in negotiations would plunge the region back into crisis. “Every effort must be made to ensure the ceasefire continues so that lives are spared from hostilities, humanitarian aid enters Gaza, and more families are reunited,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric.

Israeli officials insist that no further ceasefire agreements will be made without the release of the remaining hostages. Hamas, however, is demanding an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of a permanent ceasefire deal.

Negotiations remain at an impasse, with an Israeli delegation expected to return to Cairo for further discussions.

Source: Tovima.com