Hamas Rejects Pressure As Israel Blocks Gaza Aid Shipments

Sami Abu Zuhri, a high-ranking Hamas figure, said Israel’s decision to stop the entry of goods and supplies into the enclave “complicates matters and affects the negotiation process.”

Israel imposed the blockade on Sunday, escalating tensions as humanitarian groups warned of worsening conditions for Gaza’s population.

‘It’s A War Crime’

Sami al-Arian, a professor at Istanbul Zaim University, condemned Israel’s move, saying it leaves Hamas with limited options.

“It’s a war crime what they’re doing now—denying a population of over two million people, about 70 percent of whom are women, children, and the elderly,” al-Arian told Al Jazeera.

“Israel has lost legitimacy for over 15 months. Their leader is a war criminal, wanted by the International Criminal Court. That’s what we’re dealing with here.”

Al-Arian argued that Hamas had upheld its side of the agreement by releasing captives, while Israel, backed by the United States, had refused to negotiate further.

Aid Blockade Deepens Humanitarian Crisis

Since the early hours of Sunday, aid trucks have stopped entering Gaza through Salah al-Din Street, a key route for humanitarian relief.

During the ceasefire, about eight trucks would have typically arrived by this time, delivering essential food supplies. At the peak of the truce, 600 trucks entered Gaza daily, barely meeting the needs of Palestinians affected by over 470 days of genocidal war.

The blockade has left the population entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, with many displaced and lacking income. In addition to food, people rely on tents, tarpaulins, and winter clothing. Mobile homes were also expected to arrive, offering some relief to those left homeless.

The renewed restrictions have led to growing despair among Palestinians, who had hoped that a second phase of the ceasefire would bring increased reconstruction efforts and more humanitarian assistance.