Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has halted humanitarian aid to Gaza after Hamas rejected a proposed extension of the ceasefire’s first phase, which expired after 42 days. Coalition lawmakers praised the decision, while critics warned it could harm both hostages and civilians.
Hamas condemned the move as “a war crime” and called on mediators to intervene. Opposition leaders largely remained silent, but left-wing lawmakers and civil groups accused Netanyahu of refusing to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire. This phase would involve Hamas releasing remaining hostages and Israel withdrawing from Gaza—an idea firmly opposed by Netanyahu’s right-wing allies.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar defended the aid halt, dismissing famine warnings in Gaza as “a lie.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has threatened to bring down the government over ceasefire talks, called it “an important step in the right direction,” insisting aid should remain blocked until Hamas surrenders and all hostages return.
Likud’s Education Minister Yoav Kisch and far-right Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir also backed the decision, calling for intensified military action. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi warned Hamas to return all hostages immediately or face overwhelming force.
Meanwhile, leftist MK Ofer Cassif called the aid halt a “war crime,” and the Israeli-Palestinian group Standing Together warned it would endanger hostages and civilians alike.
With tensions rising, the future of ceasefire negotiations remains uncertain, and pressure is mounting on both sides to reach a resolution.
