Tensions high as Israel cuts aid to Gaza in row over hostage remains

Fragile ceasefire under pressure amid claims of breach of agreement

- Jason Burke Daniel Boffey

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza faced its first test yesterday when Israel said aid into the devastated Palestinian territory would be cut by half and a key border crossing would remain closed, accusing Hamas of breaching the agreement by withholding the bodies of Israeli hostages.

On Monday, Israelis celebrated the return of the last 20 living hostages in Gaza and Palestinians rejoiced at Israel's release of nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees as part of the US-brokered ceasefire's first phase.

Hamas also returned the remains of four dead hostages - but had previously warned that recovering those of another 24 still in Gaza may take longer because not all burial sites had been identified.

Israeli military officials believe that Hamas knows where more of the remains of the hostages are to be found and have deliberately delayed their transfer, the Haaretz newspaper reported.

Donald Trump urged Hamas to release the remaining bodies and said it was necessary to enable the next phase of the Gaza plan.

"A big burden has been lifted, but the job IS NOT DONE. THE DEAD HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED, AS PROMISED!" Trump posted on social media. "Phase Two begins right NOW!!!" Early tensions in the ceasefire were widely expected as Hamas and Israel sought to gain advantage during the implementation of the ill-defined 20-point plan proposed by President Trump.

But the move to restrict aid and postpone the opening of Rafah - a major crossing point at the border of Egypt that would allow supplies to enter Gaza from outside Israel - will still come as a shock. The crossing was due to open today in line with the 20-point plan agreed last week, which called for a surge of aid to levels last seen during the shortlived ceasefire in March.