Israel Halts ALL Aid to Gaza After Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Deal! Hostages Still Held!

2025-03-02 18:02:47.72

Israel announced on Sunday that it has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza after Hamas rejected a US-backed proposal to extend the ceasefire deal. The proposal, put forth by US envoy Steve Witkoff, included a phased release of hostages held in Gaza. Hamas condemned the proposal as a "blatant coup" and rejected it outright. Israel responded by immediately cutting off all aid to Gaza, citing Hamas' refusal to cooperate. The Israeli Prime Minister's office warned of further consequences if Hamas continues to refuse the proposal, emphasizing that the release of remaining hostages is a non-negotiable condition for any ceasefire. Hamas denounced Israel's action as "cheap blackmail" and a "war crime." Egypt, a mediator in the conflict, also condemned Israel's decision. The first phase of the ceasefire, which saw the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, ended on Saturday. Israel sought to extend this phase, while Hamas demanded negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Aid agencies have expressed alarm over the humanitarian consequences of halting aid to Gaza, warning of a potential surge in prices and shortages of essential supplies. Reports indicate that prices for basic goods have already increased significantly in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, four people were killed in Gaza by Israeli military operations on Sunday. The release of a Hamas propaganda video showing Israeli hostages further heightened tensions. The video, which included footage of recently freed hostage Iair Horn bidding farewell to his brother Eitan who remains in captivity, was condemned by Israel as "psychological warfare." The initial ceasefire agreement stipulated that the truce would continue as long as negotiations were ongoing. The current situation raises concerns about the future of the ceasefire and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.