Israel halts humanitarian aid to Gaza after Hamas rejects Witkoff plan

On the night of March 2, the Israeli government closed border crossings with the Gaza Strip and halted humanitarian aid following Hamas's refusal to extend the first phase of the hostage release agreement.

This decision came after Hamas rejected Israel's proposal under the plan of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover, with the further release of hostages.

Israel's Prime Minister’s Office stated that, in light of the completion of the first phase of the agreement and Hamas’s refusal of Witkoff's plan, Israel cannot allow the continuation of the conflict without the release of its hostages.

The Israeli authorities emphasized that if Hamas continues to reject the proposed negotiation format, there will be serious consequences.

The statement noted that Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of hostages, and the government’s decision included halting humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

Hamas's Rejection of the Witkoff plan

On the evening of March 1, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Hamas's rejection of the proposed plan, stating that Israel agreed to the Witkoff plan to secure the release of its hostages. Under this plan, Israel had committed to halting combat for a limited period during Ramadan (February 28 - March 29) and Passover (April 12-19).

According to the agreement, half of the living and deceased hostages were to be released on the first day of the ceasefire, with the remainder to be freed once a permanent ceasefire agreement was reached.

According to Netanyahu’s office, Israel fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, but Hamas violated the terms by continuing to refuse the proposed ceasefire.

On March 2, Netanyahu made a significant statement at a government meeting, explaining Israel's position regarding the situation in Gaza. He announced that Israel had suspended all goods and supply shipments to the Gaza Strip after Hamas rejected the temporary ceasefire plan proposed by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is determined to bring back all hostages, both living and deceased, despite Hamas’s continuous violations of agreements.

He added that Israel agreed to the Witkoff plan in hopes of continuing negotiations, but because Hamas refused to make further concessions, Israel decided to suspend humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“We will not accept this. If Hamas continues to strengthen its position and does not release our hostages, there will be further consequences, which I will not detail here,” Netanyahu stated.

He also pointed out that Israel is not violating the first phase of the agreement, unlike Hamas, which continues to break the terms by refusing further compromises. Netanyahu reassured Israeli citizens that the country will not stop until all hostages are returned home.

Finally, Netanyahu stated that, with the conclusion of the first phase of the agreement and Hamas's refusal of the proposed plan, Israel will take more stringent actions if the situation does not change in the near future.

It should be noted that Israel had recently agreed to a plan proposed by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Vitkoff, regarding the continuation of the ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Jerusalem authorities warned that if the Palestinian group rejects this plan, the war could resume.