Hamas: Netanyahu halting aid 'blatant violation' of ceasefire deal
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Hamas's comment comes as the Israeli occupation attempts to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal to release more Israeli captives while not adding to "Israel's" obligations.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a memorial ceremony in occupied al-Quds, on October 28, 2024 (AP)
Hamas affirmed on Sunday that "Netanyahu's decision to halt humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is a cheap act of blackmail, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange."
The movement called on mediators and the international community to pressure the occupation government to stop its "punitive and unethical measures against more than 2 million people," adding that "Netanyahu's statement regarding the extension of the first phase is a blatant attempt to evade the agreement and avoid entering negotiations for the second phase."
Earlier on Sunday, "Israel" announced the halting of all humanitarian aid to Gaza and the closing of passages "until further notice," emphasizing that "Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of all hostages, and if Hamas continues to refuse, there will be further consequences."
Hamas emphasized the importance of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement; however, "Israel" announced that it accepted an American proposal to extend the current phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, as negotiations for the second phase failed to produce results.
Israel obstructs second phase of ceasefire agreement
Hamas had reiterated on February 28 its unwavering commitment to fully implementing the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in all its stages and details as the first phase of the deal comes to a close.
It called on the international community to pressure the occupation to fully adhere to the terms of the agreement and immediately start implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, as the Israeli delegation to Cairo attempted to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal for 42 days.
A senior Palestinian resistance official informed al Mayadeen on March 1 that the negotiations in Cairo failed to lead towards the implementation of the second phase of the agreement, with the Israeli regime to blame for the obstruction.
He said the occupation is violating the ceasefire deal by delaying the second-phase negotiations, as Israeli leaders push towards an extension of the first phase, affirming that "The Israeli side is attempting to use blackmail tactics, but we reject any deal that is not part of a full-package agreement."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the preservation of the ceasefire in Gaza, warning that the "coming days are critical", stressing that the Israeli military must not maintain a long-term presence in Gaza, and emphasizing that the enclave should remain part of an independent, democratic, and sovereign Palestinian state.
