Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated once again as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced a complete halt to aid and supplies into Gaza. This decision follows a deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, with Israel demanding a new hostage release deal and Hamas rejecting the revised proposal.The fragile six-week ceasefire, brokered with the help of Egypt and Qatar, now hangs in the balance as both sides refuse to compromise on key demands. While Israel insists that all hostages must be released before any truce can continue, Hamas accuses Israel of violating the existing ceasefire agreement by imposing new conditions.
 

Hamas Denounces Israeli Blockade, Calls for Mediator Intervention

Hamas swiftly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid, calling it an act of "blackmail and extortion". The group urged Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene and ensure that Israel respects its commitments under the ceasefire deal.Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri warned that the Israeli move would negatively impact ongoing ceasefire talks, emphasizing that Hamas "does not respond to pressure". The Palestinian group maintains that the only way to secure the return of hostages is for Israel to honor the terms of the agreement and advance negotiations toward a final peace deal.
 

Israel Halts Aid, Demands Hostage Release Before Truce Extension

On Sunday, Israel officially stopped the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza, stating that future humanitarian aid would be conditional on Hamas agreeing to new terms for a ceasefire extension.Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar justified the decision, stating that "Palestinians in Gaza will not receive goods for free" and that any further negotiations must be tied directly to the release of Israeli hostages. He added that the United States understands Israel’s position, blaming Hamas for the stalemate in talks.This blockade follows Netanyahu’s acceptance of a US-proposed temporary ceasefire plan, which would extend the truce until:

• March 31, the end of Ramadan fasting
• April 20, the Jewish Passover holiday

Under the plan, Hamas would be required to release half of the living and deceased hostages immediately, with the remaining hostages to be freed only if an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire.
 

Hamas Rejects Israel’s Proposal, Demands Progress Toward Final Ceasefire

Hamas has rejected Israel’s conditional ceasefire proposal, stating that the group remains committed to the original agreement which had already outlined a path toward a permanent truce.According to Egyptian sources, Israel had proposed extending the first phase of the truce by 42 days, while Hamas insisted on moving directly to the next stage of the ceasefire agreement, which includes:

• Negotiations on the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
• The release of remaining 59 hostages
• A final deal to end the war

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that the group “rejects Israel’s formulation of the ceasefire extension”, arguing that Israel is trying to stall negotiations and shift the terms of the agreement in its favor.
 

Hostage-for-Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Collapse Risks

During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. In return, Israeli forces withdrew from key positions in Gaza, temporarily reducing hostilities.However, with the second phase of negotiations failing to begin, Israel has now reversed its stance, stating that all hostages must be returned before fighting can stop completely.

Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed Israel’s position, stating:
"Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, there will be additional consequences."
 

Gaza’s Future and Deepening Regional Tensions

While the ceasefire has largely held over the past six weeks, both sides have accused each other of repeated violations. The biggest deadlock remains over the future of Gaza after the war, with Israel insisting that:

• Hamas must be completely removed from power
• All military and governance structures of Hamas must be dismantled
• The Palestinian Authority should not regain control over Gaza

Hamas has countered by stating that while it does not insist on governing Gaza, it must be consulted on any postwar administration.Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the territory under US ownership has added further complications to the diplomatic efforts.
 

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Ceasefire Hangs by a Thread

The ongoing war began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. Israel responded with an aggressive military campaign, which has resulted in:

• Over 48,000 Palestinian casualties
• Displacement of nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents
• Mass destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure

With aid now blocked and ceasefire negotiations at an impasse, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, are under pressure to revive negotiations and prevent a resumption of large-scale violence.As Israel and Hamas remain locked in a diplomatic standoff, the future of the ceasefire remains uncertain, raising fears of a renewed escalation in the conflict.