Israel has suspended humanitarian aid to Gaza after Hamas rejected a proposed cease-fire extension. Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that aid would not continue without the release of hostages. Egypt condemned the aid cut, insisting on negotiations, while tensions escalate with ongoing violence and failed negotiations for a new cease-fire agreement.
Following Hamas’s rejection of a US-backed proposal to extend a cease-fire and release hostages, Israel has suspended humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not permit a cease-fire to continue without the release of hostages. Egypt condemned the aid cut and urged for renewed negotiations, claiming that humanitarian assistance should not be weaponized. Reports indicate that Israel’s aid suspension aligns with coordination from the United States amid escalating tensions with Hamas.
Before this suspension, Israel had offered to exchange five living hostages and ten deceased bodies for Palestinian security prisoners and more humanitarian support, but Hamas refused. Discussions involving various mediators have resulted in increased demands from Israel for an expanded release of hostages, which Hamas claims violates prior agreements. Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas would not receive aid without concessions regarding hostages, labeling Hamas’s actions as abusive toward the civilian population.
Despite warnings of further consequences should Hamas maintain its stance, some Israeli cabinet members perceived no immediate desire from Israel to escalate military operations. They acknowledged that Hamas may not currently wish to intensify fighting either. Israeli airstrikes continued in response to hostilities from Hamas, resulting in casualties, while Egypt explored attempts to broker a compromise between the two parties, proposing a limited cease-fire extension.
Israeli officials denied reports of an imminent delegation traveling to Cairo for negotiations. The humanitarian aid freeze was implemented following the expiration of the initial phase of the hostage deal, which was deemed critical during Ramadan. Israeli assessments suggest Hamas possesses enough provisions for an extended period, as the aid previously delivered under the cease-fire has reportedly been stockpiled. Israel justified its decision to halt aid citing Hamas’s rejection of further hostage releases under the proposed agreements.
The recently adopted framework by Israel suggests extending the cease-fire for 50 days, contingent upon the release of half the remaining hostages in Gaza. Hamas criticized this proposal, stating it favors an Israeli agenda and violates the earlier cease-fire accord. Palestinian Islamic Jihad similarly condemned Israel’s approach, accusing it of leveraging starvation as a means of attack rather than honoring peace agreements.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated following Israel’s suspension of humanitarian aid in response to Hamas’s refusal to engage with a proposed cease-fire deal. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration remains firm on the requirement for hostages’ release to sustain any cease-fire, while Egypt continues to advocate for renewed discussions. With significant tensions and casualties reported, the prospect of reaching a sustainable resolution appears increasingly complex.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
