Israel announced on Sunday that it has stopped the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide further details on the decision but warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension. It remains unclear whether humanitarian aid has been entirely cut off.
Ceasefire Expiration and Negotiations for Extension
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which allowed increased humanitarian aid, ended on Saturday. Negotiations for the second phase—where Hamas was expected to release remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire—are yet to take place.
Israel stated earlier on Sunday that it supports extending the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, lasting until April 20. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the proposal came from former U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.
Proposed Terms of the Extended Ceasefire
Under this plan, Hamas would release half of the hostages on the first day, with the remaining captives freed upon reaching an agreement for a permanent ceasefire.
There has been no immediate response from Hamas or from the key mediators—the United States, Egypt, and Qatar—who have been facilitating negotiations for over a year.
