Israel has blocked aid from entering the territory to pressure Hamas to accept a new US proposal for a temporary extension of the truce, during which more hostages held in Gaza would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas has insisted:
1. the second phase should begin as agreed,
2. leading to an end of the war
3. and a full Israeli troop withdrawal.

Almost all of Gaza's 2.3 million people have had to leave their homes since the start of hostilities.
Israel began military operations after Hamas's October 2023 attack which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 more taken hostage.

Gaza has suffered vast destruction with a huge humanitarian impact.

More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military action, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and much infrastructure across the strip has been levelled by air strikes.