Israel Halts Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Strip Following Breakdown in Ceasefire Talks
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the country has stopped the import of all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, following the breakdown of ceasefire talks. The development comes after the Hamas, a group backed by the United States, refused to accept the extension of the ceasefire, which Israel had agreed to. According to Netanyahu, Israel will not allow a truce without the release of the hostages and if the Hamas continues to refuse, it will lead to “further consequences”.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which saw the release of several Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, had expired on Saturday. The Hamas has been pushing for the start of the second phase, which would involve a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the rebuilding of the enclave, whereas the first phase had focused on the exchange of hostages for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The Hamas has described the Israeli stance as “manipulation”.