Israel announces it will stop all goods and supplies from entering Gaza
Israel has announced it is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies, including humanitarian aid, into Gaza.
The move comes just hours after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in the region.
A statement from the PM warned of ‘additional consequences’ if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a US proposal for an extension.
It also comes two days after the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began on Friday.
The two sides have not yet negotiated the terms of the second ceasefire phase, which aims to bring the war to an end.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office said: ‘With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks – to which Israel agreed – Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.
‘Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.’
Hamas has previously insisted on beginning negotiations for that phase instead of extending the first one.
A Hamas spokesperson said: ‘Netanyahu’s decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation.
‘The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people.’
An earlier proposal from Israel to double the length of the first phase by adding 42 days was rejected by Hamas as officials from the group claimed it went against the truce agreement, according to the Associated Press.
Israel’s latest statement noted this refusal and said it can return to fighting ‘if it believes that the negotiations are ineffective’.
It said the latest proposal would extend the first phase until April 20, the Jewish holy day of Passover, and half the hostages – alive and dead – would be released on the first day.
The remaining hostages would then be released if an agreement on a permanent ceasefire is reached.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.