Israel decided to halt the supply of goods to Gaza during Ramadan starting Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement regarding this decision. The statement declared, "After the end of the first phase of the hostage agreement and Hamas' refusal to accept the Witzkoff proposal for extending negotiations, agreed upon by Israel, PM Netanyahu decided that all supplies to Gaza would cease starting Sunday morning."
The first phase of the ceasefire ended on Saturday. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Hamas has not yet accepted a temporary extension under the proposal by Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witzkoff. A Hamas spokesperson described the halting of supplies as blackmail and a breach of the ceasefire agreement's terms. Hamas has urged representatives of mediating countries to intervene on this matter.
Hamas desires that the second phase of the agreement proceeds as initially negotiated, involving the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. A Hamas spokesperson remarked, "Netanyahu's decision to block aid to Gaza once again reveals the oppressive face of Israeli occupation. The international community should pressure the Israeli government and Netanyahu to stop starving our people."
The three-phase ceasefire in Gaza began on January 19 and concluded on March 1. During this period, 33 hostages were freed. In exchange, Israel released over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Now, discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel are anticipated. However, details about when and where these discussions will take place remain unclear. During Ramadan, an atmosphere of sorrow and uncertainty prevails in Gaza, with ongoing concerns about conflict.
Last week, anti-government protests occurred in Tel Aviv. Thousands took to the streets with posters and banners, demanding full compliance with the ceasefire agreement and the immediate release of remaining hostages. Notably, a three-phase ceasefire agreement was made in Gaza. Protesters demand the immediate release of all hostages, fearing the violation of the agreement might lead to their harm.
Protesters held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for the deaths of some hostages, demanding his resignation. They claimed that PM Netanyahu failed to protect the hostages and should step down. On October 7 last year, Hamas attacked Israel, taking over 250 people hostage, leading to Israeli retaliatory attacks in Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing millions.
