Israel and Hamas remain at odds over the next steps in the ceasefire process, leading Israel to suspend the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on 2nd March. The decision, denounced by Hamas as a "war crime and blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement, comes amid reports of deadly Israeli strikes in the besieged territory.  

The first phase of the truce, mediated by Qatar with Egypt and the U.S., expired on Sunday. Israel accepted a last-minute U.S. proposal to extend the truce through Ramadan and Passover (until mid-April), which included the release of all remaining hostages in two stages, with the second stage contingent on a permanent ceasefire. Hamas rejected the proposal, insisting on moving to the second phase of the original agreement, which guarantees the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.  

In response to Hamas' refusal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the suspension of all aid to Gaza, stating, "Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages." Hamas condemned the move, calling on mediators and the international community to pressure Israel to end its punitive measures.  

The initial ceasefire, which followed 15 months of devastating war triggered by Hamas' 7th October 2023 attack, included three phases. The first phase saw Hamas release 25 hostages and return eight bodies in exchange for 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase, now stalled, would involve the release of remaining hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, while the third phase would focus on Gaza's reconstruction.  

The UN warned that a resumption of hostilities would be "catastrophic." Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced accelerated military aid to Israel worth approximately $4 billion.  

On Sunday, Gaza's Health Ministry reported four deaths from Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military claimed to have targeted "several suspects" handling explosives in northern Gaza. The Red Cross and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.  

The impasse raises fears of renewed violence, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after 15 months of war.