On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Israel announced it is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister’s office did not elaborate on the decision but warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a U.S. proposal for an extension of the ceasefire. It remains unclear if the supply of aid has been completely halted.
The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which included a surge in humanitarian assistance, expired on Saturday. The two sides have yet to negotiate the second phase, in which Hamas was to release dozens of remaining hostages in return for an Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire. Hamas has accused Israel of trying to derail the fragile truce and called its decision to cut off aid “cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack on the ceasefire agreement”3.
Israel has reportedly agreed to a proposal for the second phase of the ceasefire, which would extend through Ramadan and Passover, lasting until mid-April. Under this proposal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the rest when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire. However, Hamas has not yet responded to the proposal4.
The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and the humanitarian needs of the Gaza Strip.