Israel Blocks All Aid Entering Gaza and Ramps Up Attacks as First Phase of Ceasefire Deal Expires

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel was imposing a total siege on the Gaza Strip, blocking all goods from entering, including humanitarian aid, as the Israeli military ramped up attacks on the territory, killing at least four Palestinians.

Netanyahu’s announcement came a day after the first phase of the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal expired, and no agreement has been reached on the second phase. Under the deal, negotiations for the second phase were supposed to start on February 3, but Israel refused to engage in those talks and is now demanding that Hamas accept a last-minute proposal that Israel said was put forward by President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The US proposal would involve another 42-day ceasefire and the immediate release of half of the Israel hostages in Gaza. The proposal doesn’t include a full Israeli withdrawal or permanent ceasefire, which were conditions of phase two.