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Israel Stops All Humanitarian Aid To Gaza As Ceasefire Deal Stalls
The move comes amid stalled negotiations over a second phase, which was intended to secure further hostage releases and Israeli military withdrawal.
Israel has halted the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza following the expiration of the first phase of its ceasefire with Hamas.
The move comes amid stalled negotiations over a second phase, which was intended to secure further hostage releases and Israeli military withdrawal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas had refused to accept a temporary extension proposed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, BBC reports.
The Israeli leader warned that continued refusal would lead to “further consequences.”
A Hamas spokesman condemned Israel’s action as “cheap blackmail” and a “coup” on the ceasefire agreement, urging mediators to pressure Israel into resuming aid supplies.
The group insists that phase two of the deal must proceed as originally negotiated, including the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
On Friday night, Hamas announced it would not agree to an extension without guarantees from US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators that phase two would take place.
Netanyahu’s office responded with a statement declaring: “With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks—to which Israel agreed—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease.”
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences,” the statement added.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of using humanitarian aid as a bargaining tool, with a spokesman stating: “Netanyahu’s decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation… The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people.”
Late Saturday night, Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel had accepted a US proposal to extend the ceasefire for about six weeks, coinciding with the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods.
However, Israel reserves the right to resume military operations if negotiations fail by the end of this period.
Steve Witkoff has not publicly disclosed the details of his proposal, but Israeli officials claim it would begin with the release of half of the remaining living and dead hostages.
Netanyahu’s office affirmed that Israel is open to immediate negotiations if Hamas agrees to the extension.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19, ended on Saturday, pausing 15 months of conflict. It facilitated the release of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
However, talks on phase two—centered on the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces—have made little progress.
The war began when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched an intense air and ground campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in at least 48,365 deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has become a hot topic online after a video surfaced showing his emotional reaction on Monday, shortly after Mojisola Meranda resigned as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Earlier, SPEARNEWS reported that Ms Meranda announced her resignation during a plenary session.
Following her resignation, the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was reinstated to his former position.
In a viral video, Mr Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency 1 in the Assembly, was emotional over Ms Meranda’s resignation.
Dressed in a black native outfit, the 51-year-old attempted to deliver a farewell speech but was overcome with emotion and struggled to hold back tears.
At one point in the viral video, he found it difficult to continue speaking and requested that another lawmaker take the floor while he composed himself.
“Madam Speaker, can you allow others to speak first?” he asked.
Ms Meranda responded, “Have your seat,” prompting him to sit down, covering his face with one hand as he wiped away tears.
Seyi Lawal, an All Progressives Congress (APC) representative from Ikeja Constituency 1, was granted permission to speak in place of Mr Elliot, who has served in the House since April 2015.
Kano State government has made arrangements to feed 91,000 people in 91 designated centres during the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
Flagging off the feeding programme in m Fagge Local Government Area on Sunday evening, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the programme, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam, said that that the initiative would run for 27 days.
He said that the programme was aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and would provide daily iftar meals to fasting Muslims, alleviating the challenges faced during Ramadan.
“Since the assumption of office, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, has institutionalised this initiative to support vulnerable residents by providing daily iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The programme, which is part of the state’s annual humanitarian efforts, aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by fasting Muslims during Ramadan.
“Recognising the needs of the state’s large population of Ramadan observers, the Kano State Government remains committed to ensuring that relief reaches those in need,” he explained.
Abdulsalam expressed satisfaction with the seamless commencement of the initiative.
He further urged the catering companies involved to ensure prompt and efficient delivery of meals to all feeding centers, in order to achieve the programme’s objectives.
Abdulsalam was accompanied by key officials, including the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal. (NAN)
National
Insecurity: APC Forum Accuses Governor Dauda Of Failing to Protect Citizens Amid Party’s Abductions
The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of five party chieftains by armed bandits, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal of failing in his responsibility to protect citizens.
The kidnapped individuals, all from Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, were reportedly taken on Saturday while travelling to the Marafa area of the state.
The abductees include Yahaya Sani Dogon Kade, chairman of Dan Isah ward, Bello Dealer, chairman of Sakajiki ward, and three others whose names have not yet been released.
In a statement on Monday, its spokesperson Muhammed Ismaila Kaura criticised the governor’s handling of security in the state.
“As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Dauda Lawal bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” Kaura said.
“Unfortunately, he has failed to live up to this duty. This is not the time for excuses, blame games, or empty rhetoric. It is a time for decisive action.”
The party called for immediate and effective measures to secure the release of its members and to tackle the growing wave of banditry in the state.
“The people of Zamfara are tired of living in fear. We are tired of leaders who offer nothing but excuses while our brothers and sisters are being kidnapped, killed, and displaced. The time for action is now,” Kaura added.
The APC also urged security agencies to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.
“This reprehensible act is not only an assault on the affected individuals and their families but also a direct attack on the peace and stability of our dear state,” the statement continued.
The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of the abducted persons and vowed to continue pressing for their safe return.
“To the criminals behind this heinous act, let it be clear: Zamfara State belongs to its people, not to bandits. Your reign of terror must come to an end. And to the Governor, we say: act now, or history will remember you as a leader who failed his people in their time of greatest need.”
There has been no official response from the state government regarding the abductions. However, insecurity has remained a pressing issue in Zamfara, with frequent attacks by armed groups targeting both civilians and public officials under Governor Dauda lawal