Israel Ends Gaza Aid After Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Extension
Keren Setton reports that Israel’s six-week ceasefire with Hamas has ended, reigniting uncertainty over the conflict’s future. The truce was originally intended as the first step toward ending the war, but Hamas rejected a US-backed proposal to extend it, insisting on a second-phase agreement that would require a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that humanitarian aid to Gaza would be cut off, asserting that no further ceasefire would be granted without the release of hostages.
The ceasefire had resulted in the release of 38 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and increased humanitarian aid. However, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 35 of whom are believed to be dead. The Biden administration had pressured Israel to maintain the truce, while President Donald Trump’s return to office brought a shift in policy, including a $4 billion arms sale to Israel.
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Analysts, including former Israeli Ambassador to the US Danny Ayalon, warn that the end of the ceasefire leaves Israel at a crossroads, balancing military action with efforts to secure hostage releases. Some argue that Hamas is using the hostages as leverage to maintain control over Gaza, while Netanyahu faces pressure from his political base to continue military operations.
With deep mistrust between both sides, no immediate resumption of fighting has occurred, but the situation remains volatile. As Keren Setton highlights, the future of the war may depend on whether Hamas and Israel can find common ground or if military escalation becomes inevitable. Read the full article for a detailed analysis of the diplomatic and military strategies at play.
