The Israeli decision "to stop the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and its use as a tool of blackmail and collective punishment... is a flagrant violation of international law and a direct violation of the rules of international humanitarian law," said a foreign ministry statement cited by the official Saudi Press Agency, stressing the "humanitarian catastrophe facing the Palestinian people."
"The Kingdom reiterates its call on the international community to put an end to these grave Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure the sustainable delivery of aid," the statement added.
On Sunday, Israel reinstated its 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.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with regulations, an Israeli official told AP the decision was made in coordination with the Trump administration.
In February, US 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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