Israel Suspends Aid, Supplies Into Gaza Amid Truce Disagreements; Hamas Calls It 'War Crime'

Last Updated:March 02, 2025, 13:18 IST

Israel warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a US proposal for an extension of the ceasefire. The first phase of the ceasefire expired on Saturday.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire (AP Image)

Israel on Sunday announced the suspension of all humanitarian aid and supplies into the Gaza Strip if Hamas does not accept the extension of a fragile ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Hamas called the suspension of aid in Gaza a “war crime".

Israel’s Prime Minister’s office warned of “additional consequences" if Hamas rejects a US proposal to extend the ceasefire, though it provided no details on what those consequences might entail.

The initial phase of the ceasefire, which saw a surge in humanitarian aid, expired on Saturday. Negotiations for the second phase, involving a hostage release in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire, are yet to occur.

Israel expressed support for a US-proposed ceasefire extension through Ramadan and Passover, ending on April 20. The proposal, reportedly from US envoy Steve Witkoff, would see Hamas release half of the hostages immediately, with the remaining hostages released upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.

The statement said it was proposed after US envoy Steve Witkoff got “the impression that at this stage there was no possibility of bridging the positions of the parties to end the war, and that more time was needed for talks on a permanent ceasefire".

Hamas Wants Second Phase Of Ceasefire

Hamas has yet to respond to the proposal, and there has been no comment from the US, Egypt, or Qatar, who have been mediating between the two sides.

However, the group had earlier rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the ceasefire’s first phase by 42 days – doubling its length – saying it goes against the truce agreement, according to a member of the group who requested anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations.

Under the ceasefire deal’s terms, fighting should not resume while negotiations are underway on phase two.

Jerusalem, Israel

News world Israel Suspends Aid, Supplies Into Gaza Amid Truce Disagreements; Hamas Calls It 'War Crime'