Israel has said it is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies - including humanitarian aid - into Gaza.
This comes despite an earlier indication that the ceasefire deal with Hamas would be extended, after the first phase of the truce came to an end yesterday.
A plan proposed by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff would have seen the first phase of the ceasefire deal would continue through Ramadan and Passover.
The Islamic month of Ramadan started on Friday and is usually between 29 and 30 days, while the Jewish holiday of Passover is shorter, but this year finishes on Sunday April 20th.
Palestinians sit at a large table surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings as they gather on the first day of Ramadan in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip,Saturday, March 1, 2025 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed Hamas was refusing to "accept the Witkoff outline for continuing the talks, which Israel agreed to".
Israel said in a statement that Mr Netanyahu "decided that starting this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip would cease".
It added: "Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages.
"If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences."
People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)Phase one of the ceasefire halted 15 months of fighting and saw the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and five Thai nationals, in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The extension would push back phase two of the ceasefire, which was intended to introduce talks to bring about a permanent end to the war.
Both sides have previously traded accusations that the other violated the fragile ceasefire.
Meanwhile, talks on the long-term future of Gaza are yet to seriously materialise after the UN said it would take decades to rebuild the enclave.
Reporting via IRN.
Main image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel on 28 October 2023.
