Hamas has labeled Israel’s decision as “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” on the ceasefire agreement, as they oppose Israel’s proposal to extend the first phase of the agreement. Israel had threatened Hamas with consequences if they did not agree to the extension, following a proposal by US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. The first phase of the agreement ended on Saturday, with talks on the second phase still undecided. Israel has also stopped the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. According to Witkoff’s plan, half of the captives would be released on the first day, and the remainder freed if a permanent ceasefire is reached. Israel stated that they could resume military operations if negotiations prove “ineffective.” Hamas rejected Israel’s formulation of extending the ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover, and instead called for the second phase as originally planned. They accused Netanyahu’s decision to stop humanitarian aid as a violation of the agreement, a war crime, and a coup against the signed agreement. Palestinians in Gaza are said to be very stressed, feeling that the ceasefire is fragile and could be violated at any moment. An expert opines that the US proposal favors Israel, with a pattern of Hamas and Israel agreeing on something only for Israel to try to revise it in its favor. The continuaing ceasefire is also seen as essential for providing aid to Palestinians in the devastated enclave, with reports of violations by Israel since the ceasefire began on January 19.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/2/israel-reneges-on-ceasefire-deal-warns-hamas-of-consequences?traffic_source=rss