Israel halts aid to Gaza after ‘ceasefire violation’

THE fragile ceasefire in Gaza has faced its first major test as an Israeli security official said the transfer of aid into the territory is halted “until further notice” after a Hamas ceasefire violation.

- 

Displaced Palestinians returning to desolation in the Al-Gabari area of Gaza City over the weekend

The move comes alittle over a week since the start of the US-proposed ceasefire aimed at ending two years of war.

Israel’s military earlier yesterdaysaid troops came under fire from Hamas militants in southern Gaza. Health officials said at least 19 Palestinians were killed by Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza.

Israel’s military said it had struck dozens of what it called Hamas targets.

A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said “round-the-clock” contacts — were under way to deescalate the situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to take “strong action” against any ceasefire violations but did not threaten to return to war.