Israel announces halt to humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza

Israel has announced a halt to all supplies and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, but it remains unclear whether the decision has taken effect, Euronews reports .

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office gave no details but warned of "additional consequences" if Hamas did not accept the U.S.-proposed plan to extend the truce. In response, the Palestinian group accused Israel of trying to undermine the fragile truce, calling its decision "cheap blackmail, a war crime and a gross violation of the ceasefire agreement."

Israel has full control over the Gaza Strip border crossings, including the border with Egypt.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which saw humanitarian aid to Gaza increased, ended on Saturday. The second phase, which would have freed the remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a long-term ceasefire, has yet to be agreed upon.

On Sunday, Israel expressed a willingness to extend the first phase of the truce to April 20 to cover the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover. The proposal, according to Netanyahu's office, was put forward by Donald Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff. Under the plan, Hamas would release half of the hostages on the first day and the rest after a permanent cease-fire is agreed upon.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar, which are mediating the talks, have yet to comment on the proposal, and Hamas has yet to give an official response.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is extremely difficult, and a possible complete cessation of humanitarian aid supplies could worsen their situation.

According to the UN, more than 60% of residential buildings (around 292,000) and 65% of road infrastructure have been destroyed. Many people have been left without shelter, clean water and basic sanitation, increasing the risk of disease spread.

Earlier, it was reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, which threatens the further implementation of the ceasefire.

   

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Cover: Photo by Abdel Karim Hana, The AP

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