Israel has imposed a total blockade on all supplies to Gaza, sparking fears that the ceasefire could collapse altogether. The move comes as Israeli fire killed at least two people in Rafah and wounded three others in Khan Younis, raising concerns among Palestinians.
A first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended over the weekend with no agreement on what will happen next. Hamas has insisted that an agreed second phase must now begin, leading to a permanent Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war. However, Israel has offered a temporary extension into April, with conditions including the release of more hostages.
The blockade has led to shortages of food and fuel, with prices soaring. Residents said shops had been swiftly emptied of all supplies, and the price of a sack of flour had doubled overnight. Aid agencies have warned that goods could spoil, and they don’t have limitless means to stockpile goods on the Gaza border.
The situation remains dire, with Israel’s onslaught having killed over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the start of the conflict. The war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages. Fifty-nine hostages are believed to remain in Gaza.
The United States has announced that its special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will return to the region in the coming days to work out a way to extend or advance the ceasefire deal. The Israeli government said there is enough food in Gaza for months, but aid agencies have expressed concerns about the logistics of sustaining the population.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/two-palestinians-killed-israeli-drone-fire-gazas-rafah-medics-hamas-media-say-2025-03-03