Israel blocked aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday, escalating a standoff over the ceasefire as Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the first phase of the truce rather than move forward with negotiations for a permanent end to the war.
Ceasefire Standoff Deepens
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced it had accepted a U.S.-backed proposal for a temporary truce until after Ramadan (March 31) and Passover (April 20). However, Hamas rejected the plan, insisting that Israel must honor the original agreement and move to the next phase of negotiations.
"We call on mediators to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations under the agreement," Hamas said, calling the aid blockade "blackmail."
Hostages and Ceasefire Conditions
Israel demands that all remaining hostages be released before agreeing to a permanent truce. Hamas, which has already released 33 hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, insists the next phase of the ceasefire must begin before further exchanges take place.
The Israeli military reported that four Palestinians were killed on Sunday, alleging they were involved in hostile activity.
Israeli Delegation Heads to Cairo
After blocking aid into Gaza, Israel announced it was sending a delegation to Cairo to discuss ways to defuse tensions.
"Palestinians will not get goods for free," said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, linking any further relief to hostage releases.
The United States has signaled support for Israel’s decision to halt aid, blaming Hamas for the deadlock.
Gaza’s Future Uncertain
Israel insists Hamas must be eliminated, rejecting any role for the group in Gaza’s postwar governance. Hamas, while open to stepping aside, demands to be consulted on any future administration.
Meanwhile, Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population and redevelop the area under U.S. control has been widely rejected by Arab nations.
Read next
20:00
World News
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier assured NATO allies on Monday that Germany would enhance its military and infrastructure contributions to Europe's defense, in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns over the U.S. commitment to European security.
19:30
Singapore
Singapore has directed Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to block Singaporeans' access to posts by three foreigners accused of attempting to influence the country's upcoming election along racial and religious lines.
18:08
World News
Foreign ministers from the enlarged BRICS bloc met in Brasília on Thursday, where host Mauro Vieira urged the group to craft “practical pathways” for resolving global conflicts and strengthening multilateral security ahead of the leaders’ summit later this year.
17:35
Kyiv on Monday said Moscow must immediately end hostilities in Ukraine if it genuinely desires peace, responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a unilateral three-day ceasefire.
17:15
A full ceasefire
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Monday that Ukraine is ready to support a full, lasting, and durable ceasefire.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment