Israel halts aid entry into Gaza amid ceasefire disagreements
What's the story
Israel has suspended all humanitarian aid and supplies going into the Gaza Strip after it disagreed with Hamas over extending a ceasefire.
The first phase of the truce, which resulted in increased humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, expired on Saturday.
Israel's Prime Minister's office has warned of "additional consequences" if Hamas rejects a US-backed proposal for extension.
Ceasefire proposal
US proposes ceasefire extension, awaits Hamas's response
The US envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed extending the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover until April 20.
Under this plan, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages immediately, with the rest to be freed upon reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.
However, Hamas has not yet responded to this proposal and accused Israel of "extortion," labeling the aid suspension as a "war crime."
Rejection stance
Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt reject Israel's ceasefire extension
An Egyptian official said Hamas, along with Qatar and Egypt, wanted to stick with the current ceasefire deal.
They turned down Israel's offer to extend it by four weeks without entering negotiations for a second phase.
The first phase of the ceasefire had halted 15 months of fighting in Gaza, resulting in the release of 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Hostage situation
Israel claims 32 of 59 hostages in Gaza are dead
Israel says 32 of the 59 hostages remaining in Gaza are dead.
Talks for a second phase were due to begin in early February but have not yet taken place.
Meanwhile, Israelis took to the streets to call on their government to continue negotiations for a permanent peace deal.
The conflict erupted following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which Israel says killed around 1,200.
Aid distribution
UNRWA data shows nearly 3,000 aid trucks entered Gaza
Data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) indicated that 2,892 aid trucks entered Gaza in December in the ceasefire's first phase.
However, logistical challenges like gangs and looters have made aid distribution efforts difficult.
The Gaza health ministry reports over 47,000 Palestinian fatalities since then.