Israel has halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza, citing Hamas’s rejection of Israel’s proposal to extend phase one of the ceasefire brokered in January 2025, instead of moving to phase two as originally planned. The decision, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, follows the expiration on March 2 of a 42-day ceasefire part of the phase one of above-mentioned agreement.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement is composed of 3 phases:
– Phase One (42 days): A temporary ceasefire beginning on January 19, with Israeli hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza, and Israeli military operations were reduced.
– Phase Two (42 days, agreed upon but not implemented): This phase was supposed to include the release of all remaining living hostages (24 people) in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
– Phase Three (planned but uncertain): Would focus on recovering and returning the bodies of deceased hostages, formally ending the war, and beginning Gaza’s reconstruction.
The proposed extension, known as the Witkoff plan, would prolong the truce through Ramadan and Passover, with half of the remaining hostages released immediately and the rest at the end of the period if a permanent ceasefire is reached. Hamas rejected the plan, calling the aid suspension “blackmail” and stating that no talks were underway for a second ceasefire phase, placing the responsibility on Israel for not initiating negotiations.
Israel has not begun its required withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns about Hamas’s use of the area for smuggling weapons. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that negotiations could continue but emphasized that aid would not resume unless additional hostages were released.
In addition, Netanyahu stated that the move has full backing from US President Donald Trump’s administration, although no official confirmation has been issued from Washington.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that the aid blockade places Gaza’s population at severe risk, as the enclave remains dependent on humanitarian assistance. Aid groups, the United Nations, and Egypt have condemned Israel’s decision.