Israel announced on Sunday that it is halting the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip, though it remains unclear if humanitarian aid has been entirely stopped.
The decision was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, which did not provide further details but warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept what Israel claims is a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of attempting to undermine the fragile truce, calling the decision to cut off aid “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack on the ceasefire agreement.”
Israel controls all of Gaza’s border crossings, including the one with Egypt. The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which had allowed a surge of humanitarian aid, expired on Saturday. The two sides have yet to negotiate the terms of the second phase, which would see Hamas release dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli military withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire.
Earlier on Sunday, Israel expressed support for a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or until April 20. This proposal, put forward by U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, stipulates that Hamas would release half of the hostages on the first day, with the remainder to be freed once a permanent ceasefire agreement is in place.
There has been no immediate comment from the United States, Egypt, or Qatar, who have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for over a year. Hamas has not yet responded to the proposal.
