Israel stops humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas rejects extending ceasefire’s first phase
(VOVWORLD) - The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has worsened as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday the halt of all humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza strip in response to Hamas' refusal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
 Trucks carrying humanitarian aid from Egypt enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing, February 24, 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Israel will not agree to a ceasefire without the return of hostages and warned that if Hamas continues to reject the proposal, it will face severe consequences.
This announcement came just hours after Israeli media reported that the Israeli government had accepted a US proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Saturday.
In response to Israel’s move, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated on the same day that Israel must "take responsibility" for the consequences of its decision on the people of the Gaza Strip and the fate of prisoners held by Hamas or other armed groups.