London – Israeli Prime Minister’s Office Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the country imposed a blockade on all humanitarian assistance leading to the Gaza Strip, after the end of phase 1 of the Israeli ceasefire agreement with Hamas and with negotiations on the ongoing phase 2.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, this morning, all the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will stop,” said the Netanyahu Office, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept an outline of further discussions determined by Middle Eastern Delegation President Donald Trump Witkoff.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages,” the statement said. “If Hamas continues his rejection, there will be further consequences.”
Hamas, meanwhile, said in a statement that “Netanyahu’s decision to stop humanitarian assistance was cheap extortion, war crimes and a bright coup -a warning of the agreement.”
People stand on a truck filled with humanitarian assistance in Rafah in the South Gaza Strip after entering from Kerem Shalom Crossing on February 18, 2025.
Eyad Baba/AFP through Getty Images
“We reiterate our commitment to implement the agreement signed in three stages and we have repeatedly announced our readiness to start negotiations for the second stage of the agreement,” added the group, calling the US “to stop bias and alignment” with Israel.
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.
ABC News’ Jordana Miller and Nasser Atta contributed to this report.