Gaza: Israel has suspended the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza following the expiration of the first phase of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.
This decision comes as negotiations over extending the fragile truce face significant challenges, while reports emerge of renewed shelling and airstrikes in the region.
The 42-day ceasefire officially ended on Saturday, with Israel expressing support for a proposal by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Vitkoff to extend the truce during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover in April. However, Israel has stated that Hamas has yet to agree to the proposal.
According to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a halt to all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza as of Sunday, March 2.
"Israel will not agree to a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues to refuse, there will be further consequences," read a statement from Netanyahu's office.
Hamas has condemned Israel’s move, calling it "a blatant act of extortion, a war crime, and a clear conspiracy against the ceasefire agreement." The group has urged the international community and mediating countries to pressure Israel into stopping what it described as "punitive and unethical measures" against Gaza's more than two million residents.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned that Israel would bear full responsibility for the consequences of its decision on the people of Gaza and the fate of the hostages.
A senior Hamas official told news agencies that the group is willing to release all hostages in a second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense organization reported that Israeli forces launched artillery and tank attacks on the city of Khan Younis.
The Israeli military acknowledged the attacks and said it was investigating the situation. It also confirmed carrying out an airstrike targeting individuals allegedly attempting to plant explosives near Israeli forces in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted more than 15 months, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the risk of famine in the region. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed these warnings on Sunday, calling them "false."
The suspension of humanitarian aid comes as Muslims around the world, including in Gaza, began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1.
