03/03/2025

The Israeli Hamas Ceasefire Falters

Meanwhile, Israel cuts off all aid to Gaza

Sunday, Israel said it had stopped all aid from entering the Gaza Strip, a move that threatened to plunge the territory back into war as Israeli officials accused Hamas of rejecting a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase of a weeks-long ceasefire.

The decision by Israel to block aid to Gaza came as Palestinians there began observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. “We have decided to block all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday before meeting with his cabinet. “If Hamas continues to stand firm in its position and does not release our hostages, there will be further consequences.”

The ceasefire went into effect Jan. 19 and was envisioned as a three-phase deal, with the first stage lasting 42 days. During that period, Israel and Hamas were supposed to begin talks to negotiate phase two, along with U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Those negotiations would address some of the thornier issues, including Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. The first six weeks also saw the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, as well as a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.