The move comes just hours after the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in the region.
A statement from the PM warned of ‘additional consequences’ if Hamas does not accept what Israel says is a US proposal for an extension.
The proposed extension would cover the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which began on Friday, as well as the Jewish holiday Passover in April.
Israel wants to the extend the first phase by continuing the exchange of hostages.
Hamas wants to move onto the second phase, with negotiations focused on a permanent ceasefire, Israel’s withdrawal, and reconstruction of Gaza.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office said: ‘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.’
Hamas has previously insisted on beginning negotiations for that phase instead of extending the first one.
A Hamas spokesperson said: ‘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.’
Charities have accused Israel of breaching international law by blocking the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Othman Moqbel, CEO of Action For Humanity, said: ‘Israel is playing chess with the lives of innocent Palestinians, showing a callous disregard for humanity.’
Kathleen Spencer Chapman, of Plan International, which works with children, said: ‘Gaza remains in the grip of a catastrophic hunger crisis, with children in dire need of food, water and shelter.
‘Without the influx of humanitarian aid promised by the ceasefire agreement, thousands more could die from hunger and related diseases alone.’
An earlier proposal from Israel to double the length of the first phase by adding 42 days was rejected by Hamas as officials from the group claimed it went against the truce agreement, according to the Associated Press.
Israel’s latest statement noted this refusal and said it can return to fighting ‘if it believes that the negotiations are ineffective’.
It said the latest proposal would extend the first phase until April 20, the Jewish holy day of Passover, and half the hostages – alive and dead – would be released on the first day.
The remaining hostages would then be released if an agreement on a permanent ceasefire is reached.
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