The White House is backing its ally Israel in its decision to block aid to Gaza amid Hamas’s refusal to agree to a second ceasefire deal.
“Israel has negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists,” National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement. “We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas had indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that it would be halting the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza until Hamas agrees to the next ceasefire phase.
“With the conclusion of the 1st stage of the hostages deal and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff framework for the continuation of the talks, to which Israel agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted,” Israel said in a post online.
The first round of the ceasefire deal marked a large turning point for the conflict, which began Oct. 7, 2023, and has resulted in the destruction of much of Gaza. The deal was secured just before former President Biden left office and President Trump was sworn in.
With the first-round deadline wrapping up this weekend, tensions in the region are high while the deal stands at a fragile point.
The move from Israel to halt aid to the thousands of Gazans in need is a significant one, even as Hamas refuses to agree and accuses Israel of attempting to derail progress.
The group called Israel’s decision to stop aid a “cheap extortion, a war crime and a blatant attack.”
