Israel blocked the entry of aid into Gaza on Sunday, March 2, as tensions over the ceasefire intensified, with Hamas urging Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel had accepted a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary truce during Ramadan and Passover. The proposed ceasefire, if implemented, would last until around April 20.
Under the terms of the plan, Hamas would be required to release half of the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—on the first day, with the rest freed at the conclusion of negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas has rejected the idea of an extension to the existing 42-day truce, insisting on adhering to the original agreement, which included discussions on a permanent end to the conflict.
The Israeli military reported striking suspected militants planting explosives near its forces in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, Egypt-mediated talks in Cairo have stalled, with Israel seeking a 42-day extension of the ceasefire’s first phase, while Hamas insists on transitioning to the second phase, which includes full troop withdrawal and further hostage releases.
Netanyahu’s office declared that no ceasefire would be allowed without the release of all Israeli hostages, and as a result, all aid into Gaza was suspended. Hamas condemned the move as “blackmail” and accused Israel of violating the agreement.
Later on Sunday, Israeli officials confirmed that a delegation would travel to Cairo for further negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Gaza would not receive aid without conditions and linked any further agreements to hostage releases.
The ongoing conflict began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military campaign in response has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and left the territory in ruins.
