Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed during the opening of the government session today, Sunday, that Israel has decided to prevent the entry of any goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip, in response to Hamas’ rejection of the proposal of the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, to extend the ceasefire, adding that “if Hamas continues to adhere to its position and refuses to release our prisoners, this will have additional consequences.”

Netanyahu explained that he held a security meeting last night, attended by the Minister of Defense, leaders of the coalition parties, senior security officials, and the negotiating team, during which "it was decided that Israel would adopt Witkoff's proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and the Jewish Passover," stressing that "Israel is working in full coordination with US President Donald Trump and his team."

He pointed out that "according to the information available to Israel, Hamas is holding 59 prisoners today, including about 24 who are alive, while at least 35 have been killed," adding, "According to Witkov's proposal, half of the prisoners will be released on the first day, and at the end of the agreement - if an understanding is reached - the rest will be released all at once."

"Wittkoff proposed this plan under the impression that it was impossible to bring Israel and Hamas closer together on the second stage, and that more time was needed for negotiations," he said. In response to criticism of the government, Netanyahu claimed that "contrary to what some claim, Israel did not violate the agreement, while Hamas repeatedly violated the first stage."

He stressed that "the original agreement allows Israel to resume fighting after the 42nd day if it sees that negotiations are not useful," and reiterated that "this clause is supported by a side letter from the previous US administration, and has received the support of the current Trump administration."

"Nevertheless, we accepted Witkoff's proposal because we are committed to returning our prisoners," he added, but he stressed that "Hamas has rejected the proposal so far, and if it changes its position, Israel will immediately enter into negotiations to implement it."

"No negotiations without a price...and the closure of the crossings continues"

"If Hamas thinks it can extend the ceasefire or benefit from the benefits of the first stage without releasing prisoners, it is completely mistaken," Netanyahu said. "We completed the first stage with great success, returning 30 prisoners alive and eight dead to burial."

Netanyahu announced that "with the end of the first stage and Hamas' rejection of Witkoff's proposal, we decided during yesterday's meeting to prevent the entry of any goods and supplies into Gaza starting this morning."