Israel has banned all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza after the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas expired, citing the militant group's rejection of an extension of the US-backed ceasefire.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, under which dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been released since mid-January, reached its expiration date on Saturday, A2 CNN reports.
The Israelis want the first phase to continue – the exchange of hostages, both living and dead, in exchange for the continued release of Palestinian prisoners, and the flow of higher volumes of aid into Gaza. It is thought that 24 Israeli hostages are still alive in Gaza.
Hamas has insisted on advancing to the second phase, accusing Israel of "continuous manipulation" as the extension of aid would be necessary due to the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. This is also the proposal of US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, reports A2 CNN.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday: "With the conclusion of phase A of the hostage agreement and in light of Hamas' refusal to accept the Witkoff framework for continuing talks - to which Israel had agreed - Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu has decided that as of Sunday morning all entries of goods and supplies into Gaza will be prohibited," A2 CNN reports.
"Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be additional consequences."
Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said in a statement on Sunday that "the only path to regional stability and the return of prisoners is the full implementation of the agreement, starting with the second phase." Hamas wants the second phase to include negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the reconstruction of the enclave, "and then the release of prisoners as part of an agreed deal," Mardawi said.
(A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
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