The State of Qatar has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli government's recent decision to suspend the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as a blatant violation of ceasefire agreements and international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.

In an official statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its firm rejection of using food as a weapon of war and the starvation of civilians.

The ministry urged the international community to compel Israel to guarantee the safe and uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid to all areas of Gaza.

Qatar reaffirmed its steadfast position regarding the justice of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, which include the establishment of an independent state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a halt to the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza starting Sunday morning.

The decision has drawn condemnation from Hamas, which described the Israeli move as a "coup" against the ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu's office announced that the suspension was prompted by the conclusion of the first phase of a deal and Hamas's refusal to accept the proposal put forth by U.S. envoy Stephen Wittkoff to continue negotiations.

Israel further stated that it would not allow a ceasefire without the release of hostages and warned of other repercussions should Hamas continue its rejection.

This decision follows a breakdown in negotiations intended for the second phase of the agreement, which had been scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025.

Hamas has accused Netanyahu of trying to renege on the agreement by endorsing U.S. proposals that would extend the first phase and described these as a transparent attempt to circumvent previous understandings.

The organization condemned the suspension of humanitarian aid as "cheap blackmail and a war crime."

Meanwhile, on the ground in Gaza, as the holy month of Ramadan began, large communal iftar meals were organized to serve the populations of the most devastated areas, with many residents facing dire conditions for a second Ramadan in a row amid ongoing war and destruction.

These meals were notably attended by families displaced from their homes, and various charitable organizations from Turkey, Kuwait, and Qatar played a significant role in providing support.

Eyewitnesses noted that despite the destruction, gatherings saw the display of messages of hope and resilience among the ruins, with slogans indicating the steadfastness of Gaza residents.

As Ramadan festivities commenced, tensions have mounted due to the Israeli government's actions, resulting in skyrocketing prices and panic buying among Gaza's residents.

The decision to close the Karem Abu Salem crossing resulted in significant inflation on essential goods, exacerbating the already critical living conditions for roughly two million Palestinians in the region.

Reports indicated a marked increase in the prices of staple items such as flour, sugar, and cooking oil, alongside complaints of hoarding by traders capitalizing on the situation.

Reactions from the Gaza Ministry of Interior asserted that they are monitoring market conditions and urged citizens to remain calm.

The ministry also stated that they would ensure the availability of essential goods despite the border closure.