Israel has imposed a block on all aid entering the Gaza Strip following the end of the first phase of the ceasefire deal, reported the Middle East Eye on March 2.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement on Sunday morning confirming that Israel had blocked the entry of all goods into Gaza.The move, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, came after Hamas refused to accept the extension of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
“With the end of phase one of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the [US envoy Steve] Witkoff outline for continuing the talks – to which Israel agreed, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that starting this morning all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease,” the statement said.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
At the end of the first phase of the ceasefire – mediated by Qatar with the help of Egypt and the United States – Hamas refused to extend it, saying it would only accept moving to the second stage, which was supposed to guarantee the definitive end of the war, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of remaining captives.
The first phase of the truce, which began on January 19, largely halted over 15 months of Israel’s war on Gaza….
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