Israel has halted humanitarian aid to Gaza following the end of the ceasefire’s first phase without initiating talks for the next phase. Netanyahu cited Hamas’s rejection of a US ceasefire proposal, while Hamas condemned the blockade as a war crime. Egypt and other Arab nations have expressed condemnation, and a comprehensive Gaza reconstruction plan is set for presentation at an upcoming summit. The ceasefire agreement, structured into three phases, has raised tensions as negotiations remain unresolved.
The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip concluded at dawn on Sunday without initiating discussions for its subsequent phase, which was anticipated to commence on February 3. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a suspension of all goods and supplies to Gaza from Sunday morning, citing Hamas’s rejection of a temporary truce proposal made by US envoy Steve Witkoff for Ramadan.
In response to Israel’s action, Hamas condemned the decision, labeling it as “cheap blackmail, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the agreement,” and urged international mediators to compel Israel to halt its actions against the civilian population in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israeli authorities had accepted the US proposal for a ceasefire during Ramadan with terms involving the release of hostages. However, they noted that Hamas had rejected this proposal. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the blockade, calling it an unacceptable use of aid for collective punishment and stated a reconstruction plan for Gaza would be discussed at an upcoming Arab summit.
As the situation evolves, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to visit Israel following a scheduled State of the Union address by US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that began on January 19 was designed in three 42-day phases, but negotiations for subsequent phases must begin before each conclusion, something Netanyahu has postponed.
During the initial phase, 33 Israeli hostages were released, including eight deceased individuals, in exchange for 1,755 Palestinian prisoners. The Islamic Jihad Movement criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of undermining the ceasefire agreement and warning of the consequences of such actions. The government media office in Gaza stated that Israel’s blockade of aid further exemplifies its failure to adhere to commitments, resulting in widespread suffering among Gaza’s inhabitants.
The situation in Gaza remains critical as Israel halts humanitarian aid amid a stalled ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu’s decision has drawn severe criticism from Hamas and Egypt, with calls for international intervention to protect civilians. The first phase of the agreement brought the release of Israeli hostages but also highlighted ongoing tensions and unmet obligations that threaten stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
