Outrage as Israel cuts off Gaza aid to pressure Hamas to accept a new ceasefire proposal [View all]

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel faced sharp criticism on Sunday as it stopped the entry of all food and other supplies into Gaza on Sunday and warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas doesn’t accept a new proposal to extend a fragile ceasefire.

The foreign minister of Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict, accused Israel of using “starvation as a weapon” in “a flagrant and clear violation of humanitarian law.” Saudi Arabia called Israel's decision “a tool of extortion.”

Hamas accused Israel of trying to derail the ceasefire hours after its first phase had ended and called Israel's decision to cut off aid “a war crime and a blatant attack” on a truce that took a year of negotiations before taking hold in January.

The first phase saw a surge in humanitarian aid after months of growing hunger. It expired on Saturday. In the second phase, Hamas could release dozens of remaining hostages in return for an Israeli pullout from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire. Negotiations on the second phase were meant to start a month ago but haven't begun.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-says-stopping-entry-aid-065853742.html