Aid to Gaza halted by Israel as cease-fire enters uncertain territory
A general view shows tents built next to the rubble of buildings in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Feb. 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Israel has suspended humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza following the conclusion of the first phase of the cease-fire agreement, according to multiple Israeli media reports.
Channel 12 reported Sunday that “the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza has been stopped following the official end of the cease-fire,” while Channel 14 indicated the decision emerged from a high-level meeting.
“In a discussion led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night, a decision was made to halt humanitarian truck deliveries into Gaza until further notice,” Channel 14 stated, adding that the move was coordinated with the United States.
The suspension comes at a pivotal moment, as the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, which lasted 42 days, officially concluded at midnight Saturday. Israel has not yet committed to advancing to the second phase of the agreement or to ending the conflict entirely.
The aid stoppage announcement creates confusion about the immediate humanitarian outlook, particularly as it follows a seemingly contradictory development earlier Sunday.
Israel had indicated it agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during the upcoming Ramadan and Passover holidays, responding to a proposal from US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in effect since January, temporarily halting a war that has reportedly killed more than 48,380 people, predominantly women and children, while leaving much of Gaza in ruins.
