Israel blocks entry of aid into Gaza after first phase of truce ends

GAZA: Israel stops the entry of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and reneges on the truce after the first phase of the ceasefire deal ended without agreement on continuing into a second phase.

Earlier, Israel announced it would adopt a US-backed proposal for the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza throughout Ramadan and Passover, in exchange for the release of half of the remaining captives in the enclave.

Hamas responded with demands to implement phase two of the deal Israel signed in January to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Palestinians in Gaza say they fear a return to war as they marked their first day of fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, amid the rubble and destruction.

Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed 48,388 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s war on Gaza, while 111,803 people have been wounded.

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The Government Media Office updated its death toll to at least 61,709, saying thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead.

At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and more than 200 taken captive.