Israeli media confirmed on Sunday evening that preventing the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip is the first step in a series of steps that Israel intends to implement to pressure Hamas to accept extending the first phase of the ceasefire, without an Israeli commitment to ending the war.

Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement in English, saying that Israel had adopted the Witkoff plan, which calls for extending the ceasefire for 50 days, and releasing half of the prisoners in the Gaza Strip on the first day, and the other half on the last day, adding that Hamas had opposed the proposal, and set completely unacceptable conditions.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would take additional steps "against Hamas" if it continued to hold the prisoners.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation "Kan 11" quoted informed sources as saying that Netanyahu does not believe that implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement is possible, and is even considering the possibility of stopping the supply of water to the Gaza Strip.

"Kan 11" explained that Netanyahu prefers to maintain the ceasefire until the arrival of Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected to arrive in the region before the end of the week. He will then see what Witkoff will be able to achieve with the mediators, before making a decision on resuming the war.

She added that Netanyahu believes that it is possible to return to fighting for a short period in order to pressure Hamas, and that he also believes that it is possible to bring about a change in the nature of the fighting after the new Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, assumes his duties during the current week.

According to Channel 14, Energy Minister Eli Cohen also intends to submit a proposal to the next cabinet within days to also cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip.

While the newspaper "Israel Hayom" quoted sources as saying that Israel actually intends to cut off water and electricity if Hamas does not release more prisoners, indicating that the Israeli pressure cards include returning to carrying out specific military operations.

The sources confirmed that the Israeli army does not intend to withdraw from the Salah al-Din/Philadelphi axis, which it was scheduled to withdraw from yesterday, Saturday, according to the ceasefire agreement.

The sources claimed that Netanyahu is prepared to continue the ceasefire and pay a heavy price to recover the hostages, but he is not prepared to agree to end the war, because that means Hamas will remain in power.

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the mediators asked to wait a few more days before resuming the fighting, believing that they could push Hamas to a certain settlement, but estimates in Israel indicate that the possibility of Hamas agreeing is very weak.

The newspaper added that estimates in Israel indicate that the army will not resume fighting during the current week at least, as the political leadership in Israel is considering the upcoming visit of Witkov, perhaps it will contribute to achieving progress.

In contrast, Hamas continued to stress its refusal to return to negotiations according to Israeli conditions, which constitute a complete reversal of the agreement that was previously reached.

Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said that the movement will not accept extending the first phase, and will insist on implementing the agreement in its stages as it was signed, stressing, in a press interview, that the occupation "will not obtain its prisoners except through an exchange deal."

Commenting on the halt in aid delivery, Mardawi said: “Netanyahu is delusional if he thinks that he will achieve through the starvation war what he failed to achieve on the ground.”

He added: "There is no room for renegotiation, and what is required of the mediators is to oblige the occupation to implement the terms of the agreement as it was signed."

For his part, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem confirmed that contacts are ongoing with mediators to ensure the implementation of the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement, expressing his hope that the mediators' ongoing efforts will result in a breakthrough in the situation and oblige the occupation to implement all stages of the ceasefire.