TEL AVIV, March 2. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that its refusal from further talks will entail "additional consequences."
"In light of Hamas's rejection of the [US Presidential Special Envoy Steve] Witkoff framework, we decided - at last night's discussion - that as of this morning, the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza will be prevented," he said at a weekly cabinet meeting, as quoted by his office. "If Hamas continues to stick to its position and does not release our hostages, there will be additional consequences, which I will not detail here."
According to Netanyahu, Israel fully agrees to the Witkoff plan for a temporary ceasefire for the Ramadan (until March 29) and Passover (from April 12 through 19) period. "According to the Witkoff proposal, on the first day of his framework half of the hostages will be released in one phase. At the end of the framework - if agreement is reached - the remaining hostages will be released, also in one phase," he recalled.
The Israeli prime minister stressed that Israel is supported by the United States and its president Donald Trump on this matter. "We are fully coordinating with President Trump and his people. According to the information that Israel has, Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages: Up to 24 are alive and at least 35 are deceased. We are not giving up on anyone and we are determined to bring them all back home," he stressed.
Israel, in his words, can resume combat operations any time now since the 42-day ceasefire under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal expired on March 1, but is refraining from this and agrees "to the Witkoff framework because we are committed to returning all of our hostages," despite Hamas’ repeated violations.
"While Israel has agreed to the Witkoff framework, Hamas has - so far - clung to its refusal and has not agreed to the framework. If Hamas changes its position, Israel will immediately enter into negotiations on implementing the framework," he said.
"I would like to clarify something else: There will be no free lunches. If Hamas thinks that it will be possible to continue the ceasefire or benefit from the terms of the first stage, without us receiving hostages, it is sorely mistaken," Netanyahu warned.