White House Backs Israel’s Halt of Aid to Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks

The White House has expressed its support for Israel’s recent decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza, contingent on Hamas’s compliance with extending a ceasefire agreement. In a statement released to Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that Israel has engaged in genuine negotiations concerning the release of hostages held by Hamas.

“We will support their decision on next steps, given Hamas has signaled it is no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire,” Hughes stated.

Israel Stops Aid to Gaza and Warns of Consequences

On Sunday, Israeli officials announced their decision to suspend the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza. Alongside this, they issued a stern warning to Hamas regarding potential repercussions for refusing to extend the ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office noted:

“With the conclusion of the first stage of the hostage deal, and given Hamas’ refusal to accept the [U.S. Mideast envoy Steve] Witkoff framework for continuing negotiations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided: as of this morning, all goods and supplies into Gaza will be halted.”

They added, “Israel will not agree to a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in refusing, there will be additional consequences.”

Hamas Responds to Israel’s Decision

In response, Hamas has vehemently condemned Israel’s decision to suspend aid, alleging that such actions are aimed at undermining the already fragile ceasefire. Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of extorting an entire population and violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

“Halting aid to Gaza is nothing but extortion, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” they stated. “This blockade is an attempt to blackmail an entire population by denying them food, water, and medicine.”

Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations

The ceasefire, which allowed for increased humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, reached its expiration point on Saturday. Negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, which involved a potential hostage exchange and long-term cessation of hostilities, have yet to reach an agreement. An Israeli official confirmed that the decision to suspend aid was coordinated with the Trump administration.

On Sunday, Israeli officials supported extending the ceasefire until April 20, which would coincide with important religious observances such as Ramadan and Passover. This proposal, put forward by former Trump administration Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, calls for Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages immediately while the remainder would be freed once a permanent ceasefire is established.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages as well as the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians held by Israel. As part of the agreement, Israeli forces also pulled back from most of Gaza, facilitating a large influx of humanitarian aid into the beleaguered region.

Mutual Accusations of Violations

Despite these efforts, accusations of ceasefire violations have continued to surface from both sides. Hamas now argues that Israel breached the ceasefire by blocking aid deliveries. They maintain that such deliveries should have continued during ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire.

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the kidnapping of over 251 hostages. Currently, there are still 59 hostages held by Hamas, with 32 of them believed to be deceased.

In retaliation for the attacks, Israel initiated military operations in Gaza, leading to reports of more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in areas controlled by Hamas. It is important to note, however, that these figures do not distinguish between civilians and Hamas combatants.

The Way Forward

The situation remains tense as international observers continue to call for a renewed commitment to ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid access. The humanitarian consequences of sustained conflict are dire, raising urgent questions about the future of peace in the region.

This report includes contributions from The Associated Press.