Israel has halted all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, insisting that Hamas agree to a US-backed proposal for extending the ceasefire.
The initial phase of the truce, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, expired on Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of rejecting a temporary extension put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
Hamas has condemned Israel’s actions as “blackmail” and called on mediators to intervene.
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The ceasefire plan, originally proposed by President Joe Biden, comprises three stages. The first, which began on 19 January, has ended. The second, aimed at securing a lasting truce, the release of hostages, and an Israeli withdrawal, has seen little progress. The third phase focuses on recovering the bodies of deceased hostages and Gaza’s reconstruction, expected to span years.
Hamas has maintained it will not extend the ceasefire without assurances that the second phase will be implemented.
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