The White House supports the Israeli government's decision to block aid to Gaza until Hamas leaders agree to extend the ceasefire, according to a newly released statement.
In a statement obtained by Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said Israel has “negotiated in good faith since the start of this administration to ensure the release of hostages detained by Hamas terrorists.”
“I support their decision on the next step given that Hamas is no longer interested in the negotiated ceasefire,” Hughes added.
Israeli officials announced early Sunday that they had suspended entry of all goods and supplies to the Gaza Strip, warning that they would face “additional consequences” if Hamas did not accept the new proposal for an expanded ceasefire.
Israel agrees to Trump's envoy's temporary Gaza ceasefire extension proposal as the first phase expires: Report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak at a press conference held in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024. (Maya Alleruzzo/Pool/AFP Getty Images)
“The conclusion of the first phase of the hostage trade and Hamas' refusal to accept it [U.S. Mideast envoy Steve] Witkov's framework for the continued Israeli agreement on consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu decided: This morning, all goods and supplies will be suspended from entering the Gaza Strip,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said of X.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without releasing hostages. If Hamas continues to reject it, there will be additional consequences,” the post added.
Hamas accused Israel of trying to derail a fragile ceasefire, calling the decision to cut off aid “a cheap terror, war crimes, a blatant attack on the (ceasefire) agreement.”
“The announcement of the occupation to halt aid invasion into the Gaza Strip is yet another confirmation of the failure to avoid commitments and obligations under the ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said in a statement. “This reflects the face of ugly criminals and constitutes the continuation of genocide towards our people and the act of fearful mail targeting the whole population by robbing food, water and medicine.”
The first phase of the Israeli Hama ceasefire expired on Saturday, including an increase in humanitarian aid. Both sides have not yet negotiated a second phase. Hamas was called to release the remaining dozens of hostages in return for Israel's withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas terrorists will take the position ahead of the hostage release at Dayal Balau in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, February 8th, 2025. (AP)
Israeli officials said the decision to suspend aid was made in cooperation with the Trump administration.
Israeli officials said on Sunday they supported the proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover.
Under that contract, Hamas will release half of the hostages and the other half on the first day when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, according to Netanyahu's office.
In the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and eight other ruins in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israel has also allowed a surge in humanitarian assistance to pull troops back from much of Gaza and enter the region.
However, the first phase also featured various conflicts as each side accused the others of violating the ceasefire.
Hamas now says Israel has committed another violation by suspending aid. The terrorist group said delivery was to continue as both sides negotiated a second phase of the ceasefire.
Hamas will release more hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal
Hamas fighters are formed as Palestinians gather on the streets to see the handover of three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross team in Deia Elbara, central Gaza. (Majdi Fathi/Nurphoto via Getty Images)
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The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprising attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and acquiring more than 251 people.
Israel's attack on Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run government's Ministry of Health. It does not specify how many of the dead are terrorists or civilians.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
