Israel halts Gaza aid convoys

ISRAEL blocked all humanitarian aid to Gaza just hours after agreeing a ceasefire extension.

- Stephen Beech

The blockade was imposed after Hamas rejected an offer to extend the deal's first phase.

There had been disagreements on whether to continue to phase two's talks for a permanent peace, or extend the first phase.

US envoy Steve Witkoff suggested the initial deal would last through Ramadan and Passover, or until April 20.

But Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed that Hamas refused to "accept the Witkoff outline for continuing the talks, which Israel agreed".

Aides said yesterday that "all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip would cease".