Gaza: Israel Halts Aid as Ceasefire Ends | Ramadan

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Israel stops the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip.
• The move follows the expiration of the ceasefire deadline.
• Israel warns Hamas of “additional consequences” if ceasefire isn’t extended.
• The first phase of the ceasefire included a surge in humanitarian assistance.
• Hamas accuses Israel of disavowing previously signed deals.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Israel on Sunday stopped the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. The office of the Israeli Prime Minister did not give any details on the decision but warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a US proposal for an extension of the ceasefire. This decision coincides with the start of Ramadan, raising concerns about the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Ceasefire Deadline: The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which included a surge in humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday. The two sides have yet to negotiate the second phase, in which Hamas was to release dozens of remaining hostages in return for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire.

Proposal for Extension: Earlier, Israel said that it supports a proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, or April 20. It said the proposal came from the Trump administration’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff. Under that proposal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the rest when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Hamas’s Reaction: In response to Netanyahu’s office statement, Hamas senior official, Mahmoud Mardawi, said it is a clear affirmation that Israel was disavowing the deals it previously signed. “This continued manipulation will not return the hostages to their families.. But on the contrary… it will lead to their continued suffering and endangering their lives,” Mardawi was quoted as saying in Palestinian media including by the Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency.

Ceasefire Agreement Details: The ceasefire agreement halted 15 months of fighting beginning on January 19, allowing the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais captured on Hamas’ October 7 attack for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel. It was meant to lead to subsequent talks to build on the ceasefire deal. Now, with the ceasefire expired and Israel halting aid, the situation has become precarious.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Israel stops entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza.
• The move follows the expiration of the ceasefire.
• Israel warns Hamas of “additional consequences.”
• Hamas accuses Israel of disavowing agreements.
• The ceasefire halted 15 months of fighting.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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