Israel Halts Aid Into Gaza While Still Killing Palestinians, In Violation Of Ceasefire

Israel said on Sunday it would indefinitely halt the delivery of urgently needed aid to Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the fragile ceasefire agreement; This was a claim made by the very government, whose army has continued to kill Palestinians since the so-called ceasefire came into force this month.

The Israeli military, widely accused of weaponizing aid meant for hungry and sick Palestinians, suspended the distribution of humanitarian aid just 11 days after Israel and Hamas agreed to President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end more than two years of what human rights groups and experts call genocide in Gaza.

Both Israel and its biggest ally, the United States, accused Hamas of failing to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire. While the Israeli army claimed that Hamas was targeting its soldiers in the south, the Trump administration accused the group of planning an attack on Palestinian civilians.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “Hamas will pay a heavy price for the ceasefire and its violations, and if the message is not understood, the intensity of the reactions will increase.” He told the Israeli media.

Hamas’s armed wing said it adhered to the US-brokered agreement with Israel and was unaware of any clashes in Rafah. The group also denied the Trump administration’s claims, saying they “fully comply with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupation’s crimes and organized aggression.”

The Israeli military said it launched a “large and comprehensive wave of air strikes and tank fire” in southern and central Gaza on Sunday after the two soldiers were killed. According to Gaza Civil Defense, at least 21 Palestinians were killed in the attacks; some of these were in a school used to house displaced civilians.

Israel reportedly notified Washington of its intention to attack on Sunday. Via Axios reporting Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff told officials they could respond to Hamas’ alleged attacks as long as they were proportionate. The Israeli army later said it would do so. Respect the ceasefire agreement once againBut it’s unclear whether that includes allowing aid in.

While the developments have led mediators to scramble to ease tensions, Sunday is not the first time Israel has attacked Palestinians in Gaza during a so-called ceasefire. Israel violated ceasefire, according to Gaza media office at least 47 times Because both parties accepted the agreement.

“These violations include crimes of direct fire against civilians, deliberate bombardment and targeting, and the detention of large numbers of civilians, reflecting the occupation’s continued policy of aggression despite the declaration of an end to the war,” the office said in a statement on Saturday.

In March, Israel broke the temporary ceasefire reached at the beginning of the year and stopped all aid coming to Gaza while raining bombs on the Palestinians. The blockade has deprived medical workers of the necessary supplies to treat sick and injured Palestinians, while creating a hunger crisis in the region.

Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza since its aggressive military operation in May 2024. Preventing aid trucks from entering the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially said the crossing would remain closed until Hamas handed over the bodies of the dead hostages, but Axios reported: Israel reversed the decision After pressure from the United States, the crossing will reopen on Monday.

Hamas released all 20 surviving hostages and about half of the dead hostages.