Israel blocks aid to devastated Gaza as truce’s first phase ends

Jerusalem –

Israel on Sunday blocked aid flowing into Gaza, where a six-week truce enabled the entry of vital food, shelter and medical assistance, prompting the U.N. to call for an immediate restoration of humanitarian assistance.

The Israeli decision came as talks on a truce extension appeared to hit an impasse, after the ceasefire’s 42-day first phase drew to a close.

Truce mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire deal by halting the aid, a move which, according to AFP images, left trucks loaded with goods lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing to Gaza.