Israel suspends Gaza aid amid renewed clashes, puts ceasefire under strain

The ceasefire in Gaza faced a significant challenge on Sunday, as Israel suspended the flow of humanitarian aid into the territory following what it described as a breach of the truce by Hamas.

An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously ahead of a formal announcement, confirmed that the delivery of aid was halted until further notice. The move comes just over a week after the implementation of a US backed ceasefire aimed at ending nearly two years of hostilities.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military reported that its forces came under attack in southern Gaza, allegedly from Hamas fighters. In the aftermath, the military launched a series of airstrikes, claiming to have targeted multiple Hamas positions. Two Israeli soldiers were reported killed during the clashes.

Gaza health authorities stated that at least 29 Palestinians, including several children, were killed in the strikes.

Efforts to prevent further escalation are ongoing. A senior Egyptian official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said that negotiators were engaged in continuous talks to stabilise the situation.