EU takes Hamas to task as Israel blocks aid for Gaza

The EU has condemned what it called Hamas’s ­refusal to accept an extension of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza after Israel suspended the entry of supplies. Picture: AFP

The European Union has condemned what it called Hamas’s ­refusal to accept an extension of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, adding that Israel’s subsequent aid blockade “risked humanitarian consequences”.

“The EU calls for a rapid ­resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire, and expresses its strong support to the mediators,” said Anouar El Anouni, the spokesman for EU foreign affairs and security policy. “A permanent ceasefire would contribute to the release of all remaining Israeli hostages while ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. All parties have a political responsibility to make this a reality.”

Hamas has repeatedly rejected an extension, instead favouring a transition to the truce deal’s second phase that could bring a permanent end to the war.

The EU repeated a call “for full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid at scale for Palestinians in need and for allowing and facilitating humanitarian workers and international organisations to operate effectively and safely inside Gaza”.

Israel announced on Sunday it was halting the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza, warning of “additional consequences” if Hamas did not agree to extend the first phase of the ceasefire.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of seeking to undermine the truce, which came into effect on January 19 and has largely held despite accusations of violations and no agreement on its next phases.

Mediator Qatar also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal in Gaza by halting aid to the Palestinian territory.

“Qatar strongly condemns the decision of the Israeli occupation government to stop bringing ­humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and considers it a blatant ­violation of the ceasefire agreement, (and) international humanitarian law,” the Gulf state’s foreign ministry said in a statement, adding its “rejection of the use of food as a weapon of war”.

Jordan joined Qatar in condemning Israel’s decision, and warned it could reignite the fighting largely halted since a truce went into effect six weeks ago.

Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Sufyan Qudah said in a statement that “the Israeli government’s decision threatens to reignite the situation in the Strip”, adding that Israel must “stop using starvation as a weapon against innocent Palestinians who are under siege, especially during the holy month of Ramadan”.

Israel said it had stopped any entry of goods into the Gaza Strip after a 42-day ceasefire expired a day earlier without any agreement with Hamas on what comes next.

Hours before the ceasefire eclipsed, Israel said it agreed to a proposal by the Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to continue the ceasefire and that Hamas had refused it.

The proposal would see half of the 58 hostages still held in Gaza released on the first day and give both sides until mid-April to negotiate a permanent ceasefire under the same conditions as the previous 42 days. If successful, the rest of the hostages would be released on the final day of the extended ­period. Hamas said Israel was using its control over aid to Gaza to force it into a new agreement ­rather than allowing Hamas to have a say.

Under the original agreement, the second phase would include the release of all living hostages held by Hamas while Israel was meant to fully withdraw from Gaza and commit to a permanent ceasefire. But negotiations over a permanent end to the war never got off the ground during the first phase of the ceasefire, leaving the second phase in limbo.

“With the conclusion of the first 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 has agreed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that, as of this ­morning, the entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip will be halted,” Mr Netanyahu’s ­office said.

The Israeli leader accused Hamas of stealing aid and using it to fuel its fight. The decision to end the flow of humanitarian aid comes as Muslims are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, during which people traditionally gather to break their fast together in evening festivities.

More than 25,000 truckloads containing food, fuel, medical supplies and some temporary shelters have entered Gaza since the current ceasefire came into effect, ­according to Israel.

A spokesman for Mr Netanyahu said no trucks had been allowed to enter Gaza as of Sunday morning. Israel also threatened ­“additional consequences” if Hamas continued to hold hostages. “Netanyahu’s decision to halt humanitarian aid is a cheap act of extortion, a war crime, and a blatant violation of the agreement,” Hamas said.

The Trump administration said it would back Israel’s next steps.

The Wall Street Journal