‘Cheap blackmail,’ says Hamas as Israel cuts humanitarian aid to Gaza

With the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas ending, the former cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza on Sunday in an effort to force the militant group into accepting a change in the ceasefire plan. Israel wants Hamas to release the hostages without withdrawing its troops from the Gaza Strip. 

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Sunday said that it was imposing a blockade on Gaza as Hamas won't accept to extend the phase one of the ceasefire deal and continue to release the hostages. Israel claimed that the plane was put forward by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. 

As per the agreed deal, phase two involved the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Strip. 

In a statement, Israel said, "With the end of phase one of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks – to which Israel agreed – Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that...all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease. Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages.” 

Israel warned of further consequences if Hamas continues its refusal. 

Meanwhile, Hamas in a statement said that suspension of aid is a "war crime" and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. "It's cheap blackmail," said Hamas. 

UN officials on several occasions warned that widespread famine was imminent in Gaza. During the first phase of the truce, about 600 aid trucks entered Gaza every day, carrying essentials and food. 

However, near complete destruction of Gaza's hospitals and clinics, lack of habitable areas, and sewage issues pose another health catastrophe in the conclave.  

Netanyahu wanted to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, which would end on April 20. 

The first phase of the ceasefire deal paved the way for the release of some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, an increase in aid supplies and the withdrawal of troops from certain positions. 

As agreed, if the second phase of the deal comes into force, the Israeli withdrawal of troops would first involve the Philadelphi corridor along with Gaza's southern border with Egypt.