By Joke Kujenya
THE SUSPENSION of aid deliveries into Gaza has intensified tensions, with Israel warning of repercussions if Hamas does not agree to an extended ceasefire proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that all goods and supplies into Gaza would be halted until Hamas accepts the proposed truce extension.
The decision, described as a measure to pressure the group into releasing hostages, was met with fierce condemnation from Hamas, which labelled it “cheap blackmail” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu’s office stated, “Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages.
If Hamas persists with its refusal, there will be other consequences.” The truce extension, put forward by United States envoy Steve Witkoff, is intended to last through Ramadan until mid-April.
It includes the staggered release of hostages, with half freed immediately upon implementation and the rest at the conclusion of negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas, however, maintains that Israel’s actions contradict the ceasefire’s terms and urged mediators and the international community to intervene.
The group reiterated its commitment to progressing toward the next phase of the agreement, which involves the release of all remaining captives and a long-term cessation of hostilities.
Israeli officials reinforced their stance, with Netanyahu’s spokesperson Omer Dostri confirming that no aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday and that none would be allowed in for the time being.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the decision, arguing that aid should remain suspended until Hamas surrenders, and all hostages are freed.
“This is an important step in the right direction,” he said, calling for continued military action “until total victory.”
The statement recalls that the ceasefire, which had temporarily eased the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, allowed for a surge of aid after months of conflict.
However, with the latest blockade, concerns are mounting over worsening conditions in the war-ravaged territory, where the UN has repeatedly warned of famine risks.
Hamas has called on international mediators to pressure Israel into resuming aid deliveries, accusing it of collective punishment against more than two million people.
