White House backs Israel’s decision to halt Gaza aid shipments until Hamas accepts ceasefire extension

The White House Backs Israel’s Decision to Halt Aid to Gaza

The White House has expressed support for the Israeli government’s decision to block aid to Gaza until Hamas agrees to extend a ceasefire. This move comes as tensions continue to rise in the region, with both sides locked in a dispute over the release of hostages and the terms of a potential ceasefire extension. According to a statement released by National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, Israel has "negotiated in good faith" to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists. Hughes emphasized that the U.S. will support Israel’s decision on further steps, given Hamas’ apparent disinterest in continuing ceasefire negotiations. This stance underscores the Biden administration’s strong alignment with Israel in the ongoing conflict.

Israel Suspends Aid to Gaza Amid Ceasefire Deadlock

In a significant escalation, Israeli officials announced on Sunday that they would halt the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip. This decision was made after Hamas refused to accept a proposal for an extended ceasefire mediated by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the suspension of aid would continue until Hamas agrees to release the remaining hostages and engage in meaningful negotiations. Netanyahu also warned that further consequences would follow if Hamas persists in its refusal to cooperate. The move has intensified concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid deliveries were a critical lifeline for the civilian population.

The Role of the U.S. Envoy in Ceasefire Negotiations

The U.S. has been actively involved in mediating the conflict, with envoy Steve Witkoff proposing a framework for a ceasefire extension. Under this proposal, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages immediately, with the rest being freed once a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached. Israel agreed to this framework, but Hamas rejected it, leading to the current standoff. The proposal also included provisions for an Israeli withdrawal and a ceasefire extension through Ramadan and Passover, which ends on April 20. The failure to reach an agreement has brought the fragile truce to the brink of collapse, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms of the initial ceasefire.

Hamas Condemns Israel’s Aid Suspension as a War Crime

Hamas has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to halt aid to Gaza, calling it "cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack on the ceasefire agreement." The group accused Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the truce and attempting to blackmail the civilian population by depriving them of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine. Hamas also accused Israel of committing another violation of the ceasefire by suspending aid, arguing that deliveries were supposed to continue during negotiations for the second phase of the truce. The group’s statement reflected its outrage and frustration over what it sees as Israel’s bad faith in the negotiations.

The Broader Context of the Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting more than 251. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, the truce has been marred by repeated disputes, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Hamas still holds 59 hostages, 32 of whom are believed to be dead.

Humanitarian and Diplomatic Implications

The suspension of aid to Gaza has raised serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. The halt in deliveries of goods and supplies has left the civilian population in Gaza vulnerable, with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies. The international community has urged both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians and to work towards a peaceful resolution. The U.S. and other global powers have called for the immediate resumption of aid and for both Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiating table. The ongoing deadlock in ceasefire negotiations has underscored the fragility of the peace process and the urgent need for a diplomatic breakthrough to prevent further escalation.