Israel cuts off Gaza aid to pressure Hamas to accept new ceasefire deal

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Israel has halted the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip and warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not agree to a new proposal to extend a fragile ceasefire.
Hamas condemned Israel’s decision, accusing it of using “starvation as a weapon” and attempting to derail the ceasefire agreement.

End of first phase:

The first phase of the ceasefire, which included the surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, ended on 1^st March 2025. Despite the cessation of this phase, both parties have not yet agreed on the terms for the second phase of the ceasefire.
The second phase was supposed to involve Hamas releasing dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting peace agreement.

New Proposal by Israel:

Israel has agreed to a S. proposed framework for extending the Gaza ceasefire. The new ceasefire plan, termed the “Witkoff proposal,” diverges from the original agreement.
This proposal demands that Hamas release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire and engaging in future negotiations for a lasting truce.
The temporary truce is set to last until April 20, 2025, with the main condition being the release of hostages.
Under the terms, half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, will be released on the first day of the ceasefire extension. The remaining hostages will be freed if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached by the end of the temporary truce period.

Hamas’s Rejection:

Hamas has rejected the U.S. backed proposal, claiming that it contradicts the agreed framework for the ceasefire. Following Hamas’s refusal to accept the new ceasefire proposal, Israel halted all humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Negotiations are currently at a standstill, with Israel insisting that discussions on the temporary ceasefire can proceed only if Hamas changes its position.

Israel’s Position:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the acceptance of the U.S. proposal, emphasizing that Israel is committed to the hostage deal.
However, Israel retains the option to resume fighting if negotiations fail or if Hamas violates the terms of the ceasefire.