Israel announced on Sunday that it would immediately halt the entry of all goods and humanitarian assistance into Gaza, aiming to press Hamas into accepting a temporary extension of the cease-fire in the region. This decision disrupts the agreed-upon process for negotiating a permanent end to the conflict and puts the fate of hostages in uncertain territory.

The draconian restriction on goods and aid, including fuel, will likely exacerbate the dire conditions for Gaza’s approximately two million residents, already devastated by the 15-month war.

The initial six-week phase of the deal between Israel and Hamas expired on Saturday. Despite its intermittency and mutual accusations of violations, the deal facilitated a temporary cessation of hostilities and the exchange of 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight deceased ones for approximately 1,500 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This deal also enabled a significant increase in aid to Gaza.

The next phase of the agreement required a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, in exchange for the release of all remaining living hostages, was yet to be implemented.

Before announcing the halt on aid, Israel proposed a seven-week extension of the temporary cease-fire, during which Hamas must release half of the remaining living hostages and the remains of half of the deceased ones. Benyamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would not accept a cease-fire without the release of hostages and warned of further consequences if Hamas refused.

Hamas promptly rejected Israel’s proposal, calling it “cheap blackmail,” “a war crime,” and a violation of the agreement.

Israeli officials claim there are enough supplies in Gaza to last for several more months and that the new restrictions would not apply to water entry.

The United Nations and aid organizations have repeatedly warned of a looming famine in Gaza due to widespread hunger during the war. Palestinians in Gaza were already struggling to celebrate Ramadan, a typically joyous time in the Muslim calendar.

The Israeli government maintains its stance that the war in Gaza cannot end until Hamas is disarmed and removed from power, conditions that Hamas has largely refused to accept.

Israel also indicated that it could resume fighting if the negotiations appear ineffective.

Aaron David Miller, a former State Department Middle East analyst and negotiator, stated that Hamas is unlikely to accept Israel’s offer without further negotiations, arguing that the proposal allows Israel to retrieve hostages without making reciprocal commitments.

Eve Sampson and Myra Noveck contributed reporting from New York and Jerusalem, respectively.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/europe/israel-aid-gaza-cease-fire-proposal.html