Israel announced today (Sunday) that it is halting all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip until further notice, following the official conclusion of the ceasefire agreement. This includes a complete suspension of fuel deliveries and other essential supplies. According to reports, the move is fully coordinated with the United States.
“Due to Hamas’ Refusal to Accept the Witkoff Framework”
The Prime Minister’s Office stated: “With the conclusion of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff framework for continuing negotiations—which Israel had agreed to—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that as of this morning, no goods or supplies will enter the Gaza Strip.”
At the same time, Arab media reported an airstrike in northern Gaza that resulted in one fatality and several injuries. According to reports, an Israeli Air Force UAV carried out the strike.
Israel Adopts the Witkoff Framework
The Prime Minister’s Office announced overnight that Israel has decided to adopt the framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, which would extend Phase 1 of the ceasefire to last through the holidays of the Muslim Ramadan and the Jewish Passover.
Under the proposed framework, half of the living and deceased hostages would be released on the first day of the ceasefire extension. If a permanent ceasefire agreement would be reached at the end of the period, the remaining hostages would be freed.
Hamas Rejects: “We Demand Implementation of Phase 2”
According to the agreement, Israel would be permitted to resume military operations after 42 days if negotiations prove ineffective. This clause was included in a side letter from the previous U.S. administration and had received support from the current Trump administration.
Following Israel’s announcement, Hamas issued a statement rejecting the Witkoff framework and insisting on the implementation of Phase 2 of previous agreements. “We reject the framework and demand the implementation of Phase 2” Hamas stated in an official message—leading directly to the decision to halt humanitarian aid.
Arab Media: Aid Trucks Returning Empty to Gaza After Israeli Decision
Arab media reported that aid trucks, including fuel trucks, returned empty to the Gaza Strip following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to halt the entry of goods into the enclave. According to the reports, no humanitarian aid trucks have been allowed into Gaza.
بينهم شاحنات وقود .. عودة شاحنات المساعدات إلى قطاع غزة بعد قرار حكومة الاحتلال بإغلاق معابر قطاع غزة pic.twitter.com/74Sm1aL6ya
— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) March 2, 2025
