At the onset of today’s (Sunday) cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the government’s decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza. “In light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff framework, we have decided to prevent the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza. If Hamas continues to entrench itself in its position and refuses to release our hostages, there will be further consequences,” Netanyahu stated.
“We Are Fully Coordinated with President Trump”
Last night, Netanyahu held a security discussion attended by the Defense Minister, party leaders, senior security officials, and the negotiating team. Following the discussion, several steps were decided upon. Israel is adopting the framework proposed by President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover. “We are in full coordination with President Trump and his team,” Netanyahu stated.
According to Israeli intelligence, Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages; up to 24 are believed to be alive while at least 35 are presumed dead. “We are not giving up on a single one of them, and we are determined to bring them all home,” Netanyahu emphasized.
“Israel Is Not in Breach”
According to Witkoff’s proposal, on the first day of the proposed framework, half of the hostages would be released in a single phase. If an agreement is reached, at the end of the plan the remaining hostages would also be freed in one phase.
Netanyahu explained: “Witkoff proposed this framework to extend the ceasefire, after assessing that at this stage it is impossible to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas regarding Phase Two, and that additional time is needed for negotiations to reach a possible agreement. He even described his proposal as a corridor for negotiations on Phase Two. Israel is prepared for this. And I want to make one thing clear: Contrary to what I hear from media commentators, Israel is not in breach of the agreement – while Hamas has violated Phase One time and again.”
According to the original agreement, Israel has the right to resume combat after 42 days if it determines that negotiations are ineffective. “This clause was supported by a side letter from the previous U.S. administration and has also received backing and support from the Trump administration. Nevertheless, we agreed to the Witkoff framework because we are committed to bringing our hostages home.”
“There Will Be No Free Lunch”
Netanyahu further explained that while Israel agreed to the Witkoff framework, Hamas has so far refused to accept it. “If Hamas changes its stance, Israel will immediately enter negotiations to implement the framework. And I want to make another point clear: There will be no free lunch. If Hamas thinks it can prolong the ceasefire or continue enjoying the benefits of Phase One without releasing hostages—it is gravely mistaken.”
According to Netanyahu, Israel successfully completed Phase One: “30 hostages were freed alive, and eight bodies were returned for burial in Israel. Few believed we could achieve this, but we acted with determination and strength — and we succeeded.”
Hamas’ Refusal Led to Suspension of Aid to Gaza
With the completion of Phase One and Hamas’ refusal to accept the Witkoff framework, it was decided in last night’s meeting that as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza will be halted. “Hamas is currently seizing all aid and goods sent to Gaza,” Netanyahu stressed. “It abuses the Gazan population trying to receive assistance, fires on them, and turns humanitarian aid into a terror budget used against us. We will not accept this under any circumstances. If Hamas continues to entrench itself in its position and refuses to release our hostages, there will be further consequences, and I will not elaborate on them here.”
To date, the government has secured the release of 196 hostages. “We demand the release of all our hostages — both the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu concluded. “We are committed to this. I am committed to this. And with God’s help, we will not stop and we will not rest until we achieve it.”
