Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. AFP
"We don't have an agreement on phase two. We demand total demilitarisation of Gaza, Hamas and Islamic Jihad out, and give us our captives. If they agree to that we can implement tomorrow," Saar stated during a press conference in Jerusalem.
Tel Aviv has sought to forcibly extend the first phase of the ceasefire in its war on Gaza while avoiding second-phase talks that would mandate a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from the strip.
On Sunday, Israel reinstated its deadly blockade, halting all humanitarian aid and warning of further consequences if Hamas rejects a US proposal to extend the ceasefire's first phase. At the same time, Hamas accused Israel of derailing the truce, calling the aid blockade "cheap extortion, a war crime, and a blatant attack" on the ceasefire.
The ceasefire's first phase, which allowed a surge of aid to ease near-famine conditions in Gaza, expired on Saturday. Israel's decision to block aid disrupts the agreed transition to the second phase, which was set to include talks on a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and an end to the war.
An Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity per regulations, told AP the decision to reenforce the blockade was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
In February, US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff proposed a 42-day extension, demanding Hamas release half of the remaining Israeli captives without assurances that Israel would not resume its war or withdraw.
Hamas has rejected an extension, stating it is prepared to release all captives in Phase 2—but only in exchange for more Palestinian prisoner releases, a permanent ceasefire, and Israel's complete withdrawal.
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