CAIRO:
Israeli strikes in southern Gaza killed at least two people in Rafah and injured three others in Khan Younis, intensifying concerns among Palestinians that the fragile ceasefire may completely unravel following Israel’s imposition of a full blockade on the war-ravaged territory.
The initial phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas, which began in January, expired over the weekend without a clear resolution on what comes next. Hamas insists that the agreed-upon second phase must proceed, leading to a permanent Israeli withdrawal and an end to hostilities.
Israel, however, has proposed a temporary extension lasting until April, with additional hostage exchanges—Palestinian detainees in return for Israeli hostages—while delaying discussions on Gaza’s long-term future.
Later on Monday, Hamas official Osama Hamdan criticized Israel’s stance, stating that its insistence on prolonging the first phase of the ceasefire was resetting negotiations to “square one.” He placed responsibility on international mediators, urging them to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from derailing diplomatic efforts.
Two Israeli government officials said mediators had requested additional time to resolve the deadlock. White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, addressing concerns over the blockade and ceasefire talks, stated, “Israel has negotiated in good faith since the beginning to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas terrorists.” He added that the U.S. would support Israel’s decisions, as Hamas appeared unwilling to continue negotiations.
On Sunday, Israel escalated tensions by implementing a total blockade on all aid shipments, including food and fuel, leaving Gaza’s 2.3 million residents in dire conditions. Hundreds of aid trucks remained stuck at the Egyptian border, unable to enter the besieged enclave. Gaza residents reported that food supplies had vanished from stores, and the cost of flour more than doubled overnight.
“Where will we get food?” asked Salah al-Hajj Hassan, a resident of Jabalia in northern Gaza, where families have returned to live among the ruins of their destroyed homes. “We are suffering, and we don’t want war, displacement, or starvation for our children.”
Escalation on the Ground
Residents reported that Israeli tanks stationed near Gaza’s eastern and southern borders intensified shelling throughout the night. A Palestinian official affiliated with an armed faction allied to Hamas told Reuters that fighters were placed on high alert.
Medical sources confirmed that two people were killed in Rafah by Israeli drone fire, while three others were injured in Khan Younis after an Israeli helicopter launched an attack.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted a motorboat in the coastal area of Khan Younis, claiming it violated security restrictions and posed a threat. In another incident in southern Gaza, Israeli forces reportedly fired on two individuals approaching their position, stating that they “eliminated the threat and identified casualties.”
Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that it had accepted a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire lasting through Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, concluding around April 20.
The proposed truce would be contingent on Hamas releasing half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, on the first day. The remaining captives would be freed at the end of the ceasefire, provided an agreement is reached for a lasting peace.
