The terror group continues to hold an estimated 25 Israeli hostages.
Israel has stopped the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip after the Hamas terrorist group rejected a cease-fire framework proposed by the country.
On Jan. 19, a six-week cease-fire began between Israel and Hamas under which the terror group released 25 hostages and eight bodies. In exchange, Israel released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The cease-fire was set to end this weekend. On Saturday, Hamas said it rejected Israel’s proposal for extending the first phase of the cease-fire.
“With the conclusion of the 1st 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 agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted,” the prime minister of Israel wrote in a March 2 post on social media platform X.
With the conclusion of the 1st 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 agreed, PM Netanyahu decided: as of this morning, entry of all goods & supplies to the Gaza Strip be halted
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 2, 2025
“Israel will not allow a cease-fire without a release of our hostages. If Hamas persists in its refusal, there will be additional consequences.”
Hamas is estimated to hold another 25 hostages and the bodies of 30 individuals.
The “Witkoff framework” referred to a proposal put forward by U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary cease-fire during the Ramadan and the Jewish Passover period. Ramadan is expected to end on March 30, and Passover on April 20.
Following a security discussion chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and with the participation of the Defense Minister, senior security establishment officials and the negotiating team, it was decided:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 2, 2025
Under the proposal, Hamas is expected to return half of all living and deceased hostages on the first day of the framework. If a permanent cease-fire agreement is reached, Hamas must release the remaining hostages and bodies.
“While Israel has agreed to the Witkoff framework in order to return our hostages, Hamas has, until now, clung to its rejection of this framework. If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter into negotiations on the overall details of the Witkoff framework,” the prime minister said.
“Steve Witkoff proposed the framework on extending the cease-fire after gaining the impression that, at present, there was no possibility of bridging between the positions of the sides on ending the war, and that additional time was required for talks on a permanent cease-fire.”
