Israel's suspension of goods entering Gaza is taking a toll on the Palestinian enclave, with some bakeries closing and food prices rising, while a cut in the electricity could deprive people of clean water, Gaza officials said.
The suspension, which Israel said was aimed at pressuring Hamas in ceasefire talks, applies to food, medicine and fuel imports. UNRWA said the decision threatens the lives of civilians.
Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people were dependent on aid, it said. Hamas describes the measure as "collective punishment" and insisted it will not be pushed into making concessions. Abdel-Nasser Al-Ajrami, head of the Gaza bakers' union, told Reuters that six out of the 22 bakeries still able to operate in the enclave had already shut after they ran out of cooking gas.
"The remaining bakeries may close down in a week or so should they run out of diesel or flour, unless the crossing is reopened to allow the goods to flow," he said.
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