The spokesperson for Hamas, Hazem Qassem, stated that the Israeli occupation “bears responsibility” for the fate of the hostages held in Gaza following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to suspend the entry of humanitarian aid into the region.

This decision comes as the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza comes to an end, with Hamas insisting on the commencement of the second phase, which includes the release of hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the area.

Negotiations regarding the second phase have not yet begun amid disagreements over the implementation mechanism.