Israel blocks entry of aid into Gaza after Hamas terrorists refuse to agree to ceasefire extension
ISRAEL has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza after Hamas terrorists refused to agree to a ceasefire extension.
The 42-day first phase expired on Saturday, with US diplomats suggesting another temporary deal while terms for a second phase are thrashed out.
But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas refused, leaving Israel no choice but to halt vital supplies.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office said: “Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages.
“If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences.”
They added Israel had agreed to a US proposal for the ceasefire to continue for about six weeks for negotiations during the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods.
Hamas, which says it wants stage two of the deal to go ahead, said blocking supplies was “cheap blackmail”.
The World Food Programme said: “Humanitarian assistance has to continue to flow into Gaza.
“It’s very essential.
“And we are calling all parties to make sure that they reach a solution,”
Thousands of trucks have entered the Gaza Strip, which has a population of two million, each week since the ceasefire took effect in mid-January.