On Sunday, Israel announced its decision to halt the inflow of goods and humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move deemed draconian by many, which significantly disrupts the existing negotiation framework for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This decision comes a day after the conclusion of the first phase of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Key developments include:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the cessation of humanitarian assistance and goods to Gaza, a move strategically timed to press Hamas into accepting Israel’s cease-fire proposal. This comes hours after his government proposed a seven-week extension of the temporary cease-fire, under which Hamas was to release half the remaining living hostages and the remains of half the deceased ones. Israel asserts its extension proposal was influenced by the work of the new U.S. envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff.
Hamas has accused the halt of aid as “cheap blackmail,” claiming Israel’s decision blatantly disregards the agreement and yet, Hamas remains open to negotiations for the second stage of the deal.
The impact of this halt is projected to severely affect Palestinian civilians, especially as they enter the holy month of Ramadan. Water supply remains exempt, according to Israeli officials, but essential supplies such as fuel for bakeries are being stopped. This will likely lead to price inflation of goods that had started to reappear in Gaza’s markets in greater quantities following the recent reduction in fighting.
Throughout the 15-month war, Israeli actions have devastated Gaza, resulting in over 45,000 reported deaths according to Palestinian health authorities. The amount of aid reaching Gaza has significantly decreased, with the United Nations and aid groups attributing this to Israeli restrictions, while Israel points the finger at aid organizations. This has led to severe malnutrition, with experts warning of a potential famine. The recent surge in aid to the enclave, facilitated by the cease-fire, now appears to be at an end, further complicating the situation for the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/middleeast/israel-aid-halt-gaza.html
