Israel blocks entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza

Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza, demanding Hamas agree to a US proposed ceasefire extension.The first phase of the ceasefire ended on Saturday, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that Hamas has refused to accept the temporary extension proposed by Donald Trumph's envoy, Steve Witkoff.

A Hamas spokesperson called the blockade " cheap blackmail" and a " coup" on the ceasefire agreement, urging mediators to intervene. Hamas insists on proceeding with phase two of the deal as orignally negotiated, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They previously stated they would not agree to any extension of phase one without guarantees from US,Qatar ,and Egyptian mediators that phase two would eventually take place.

Netanyahu's office announced that, due to Hamas's refusal to accept the Witkodd outline for continuing talks, all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza would cease.Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of their hostages  and warned of further consequences if Hamas contiues its refusal.

The Hamas spokesman condemned Netanyahu's decision, urging the international community to pressure the Israeli government to stop starving the people of Gza. Netanyahu's office later stated that Isreal had agreed to a US proposal for a six week ceasefire extensionduring the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods.If negotiations reached a dead end after this period ,  Israel would reserve the right to resume hostilities.

Witkoffs proposal, which has not been made public, reportedly begins with the release of half  of all remaining living and dead hostages.He proposed the six week extension to bridge the difference between Israel and Hamas on conditions for ending the war.Israel  would start negotiations immediately if Hamas changed the position on the ceasefire extension.

The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January19, halted 15 months of fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military.It allowed the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for about 1900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.However, negotiations on phase two, including the release of all remaining living hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, have barely begun.There are believed to be 24 hostages alive, with another 39 presumed daed.

Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7,2023, killing about 1200 people and taking another 251 hostage.Israel responded with an air and ground campaign in Gaza, resulting in atleast 48,365 deaths , according to Gaza's Hamas run health ministry.