Israel blocks aid into Gaza as ceasefire stand-off escalates

The proposal, which Hamas has yet to accept, seeks the release of half the remaining hostages on the day the deal comes into effect

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Palestinians pray amid the rubble in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Saturday, during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:17am, 2 Mar 2025Updated: 5:02am, 3 Mar 2025

Israel said on Sunday it was suspending the entry of supplies into Gaza, with artillery fire and an air strike reported in the territory after it hit an impasse with Hamas over how to proceed with their fragile ceasefire.

As the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire drew to a close, Israel gave its backing to an extension it said was put forward by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, which would cover the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Hamas has repeatedly rejected an extension, instead favouring a transition to the truce deal’s second phase, which would see the release of all remaining hostages and a more permanent end to the fighting in war-ravaged Gaza.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that, from this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended,” his office said in a statement.

“Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists with its refusal, there will be other consequences,” it added.

Hamas slammed the move, saying in a statement that the “decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the [ceasefire] agreement”.