A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk of collapse after Israel blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, following Hamas’ rejection of an Israeli proposal to extend the truce without committing to a full withdrawal of troops or a permanent end to the war.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the agreement, calling the aid blockade “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime.” Meanwhile, international aid groups and the United Nations have condemned Israel’s decision, while Egypt, a key mediator, declared that it “unequivocally rejects the politicization of humanitarian aid.”

Hostage Negotiations Stall

According to Israeli authorities, 59 hostages remain in Gaza following the return of four bodies last week. Of these, 24 are believed to be alive. The delay in negotiating their release has added further tension to the truce discussions.

The United States has sent Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to the region in an effort to either extend Phase I of the agreement or move to Phase II, which was meant to see the release of all living hostages and a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Breakdown of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire, initially implemented in three phases, has faced multiple setbacks.

• Phase I (January 19 – March 2): Hamas was expected to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid. Ultimately, 38 hostages were freed over 39 days, while Israel released 1,737 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces also withdrew to Gaza’s border regions, leaving urban centers and key corridors.
• Phase II (Scheduled for March 3): This phase was supposed to focus on negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the release of remaining hostages. However, talks have stalled, with both sides blaming each other.

On Friday, an Israeli delegation abruptly left Cairo, while a Hamas spokesperson claimed that no active negotiations were underway due to Israeli delays.

Israel’s Position

The Israeli government has proposed a 42-day extension of Phase I, allowing for the continued exchange of hostages and prisoners while keeping aid flowing into Gaza—but without committing to ending the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the idea came from US envoy Witkoff, though Washington has yet to confirm this claim.

Israel says Hamas rejected the proposal, prompting Netanyahu to order a halt on all aid deliveries to Gaza.

Israeli PMO statement:
“In light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff framework, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be stopped.”

The statement also warned of further consequences if Hamas refuses to accept Israel’s terms.

Hamas’ Response

Hamas is insisting on proceeding with Phase II, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire. The group denounced Israel’s proposed extension of Phase I as an attempt to evade its commitments.

Hamas statement:
“This is a blatant attempt to avoid entering Phase II. The only way to secure the return of hostages is for Israel to uphold its commitments and begin negotiations immediately.”

Hamas has appealed to mediators such as Egypt and Qatar to put pressure on Israel to resume aid deliveries and adhere to the full terms of the agreement.

International Reactions

The United Nations, Egypt, and aid organizations have strongly criticized Israel’s move to block humanitarian aid.

• Egypt called on the international community to take action, saying Israel is using aid as a tool for political blackmail.
• Qatar stated that “food must not be used as a weapon” and condemned the suspension of aid.
• UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher warned that stopping aid deliveries violates international humanitarian law, urging that the ceasefire be maintained.

Meanwhile, White House officials have publicly backed Israel, with National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes saying that Israel has negotiated in good faith and blaming Hamas for derailing the process.

What’s Next?

With humanitarian aid suspended and hostage negotiations stalled, fears are growing that the ceasefire could collapse entirely. Far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s government are pressuring for a return to full-scale war, and analysts suggest that the new Trump administration may be less inclined to push for a peaceful resolution.

In a press release, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called on President Trump to negotiate a comprehensive deal to bring all captives home in a single phase, stating that time is running out for those still held in Gaza.

Additionally, an Israeli source told CNN that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, a condition that Hamas views as essential for Phase II to proceed.

As tensions escalate, Gaza’s population of over 2 million faces the risk of losing what little aid it had received. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that even during the truce, aid restrictions have severely limited humanitarian relief efforts, with food and medical supplies still in short supply.

Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes targeted northern and southern Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting at least four casualties. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they fired at individuals attempting to plant explosives, further raising concerns about whether the ceasefire will hold.

For now, the truce remains fragile, with diplomatic efforts ongoing—but without significant progress, the region could see a return to full-scale conflict in the coming days.