Israel bans humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza amid renewed attacks on besieged enclave

By Anadolu staff

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Israel on Friday prohibited aid trucks from entering the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side via the Rafah border crossing, resuming its devastating onslaught against the Palestinian enclave after announcing the end of a week-long humanitarian pause.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that the Israeli side informed it and other aid organizations operating in Gaza of the decision, which is in effect until further notice.

Israel also instructed that the trucks on the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing be emptied as soon as possible, the Red Crescent added.

"This decision exacerbates the suffering of the (Palestinian) people, and increases the scale of challenges for the humanitarian and relief organizations in alleviating the suffering of the people," it said.

Early on Friday, Israel and Hamas traded blame for violating the terms of a seven-day humanitarian pause that began on Nov. 24.

The Israeli army resumed intensified attacks across the Gaza Strip early Friday after declaring the end of the humanitarian pause, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties.

At least 178 Palestinians have been killed and 589 more injured since Israel resumed bombing the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The humanitarian pause began on Nov. 24 as part of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas to temporarily halt fighting to allow the hostages swap, as well as the delivery of aid.

More than 15,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7. Around 1,200 Israelis have also been killed, according to official estimates.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar