Israel suspends Gaza aid deliveries after Hamas rejects US proposal
Israel suspended deliveries of humanitarian aid to Gaza and closed all of its crossings on Sunday amid Hamas’s refusal to accept a US outline for continued ceasefire talks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday morning.
Palestinians sit down to a communal iftar meal in the southern Gaza town of Rafah on March 1, 2025. Photo by Majdi Fathi/TPS-IL
“With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal,” Netanyahu’s office said, “and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the [US special envoy Steve] Witkoff outline for continuing talks – to which Israel agreed – Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.”
The announcement added “Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
Witkoff’s plan proposed to extend the ceasefire through the month of Ramadan, which began on Friday night, and through the week-long Passover holiday, which begins on April 12. Half of the 59 hostages being held would be freed while the remaining captives would be released if a final agreement is reached.
Hamas rejected the proposal, prompting Israel to close the crossing.
Israel estimates that enough food, water, fuel and medicine has entered Gaza to last for five months since the temporary ceasefire took effect on January. 19.
Netanyahu’s office statement also did not rule out a return to fighting.
“While Hamas has repeatedly violated the agreement, Israel is not in violation. According to the agreement, Israel can return to fighting after the 42nd day if it feels that the negotiations are ineffective. This clause was supported by a side letter from the previous US administration and also received the support of the Trump administration,”
The completion of Wednesday night’s release of bodies marked the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 32 are believed to be dead.
