"Israel on Wednesday kept closed a crucial border crossing from Egypt to Gaza and cut in half the amount of aid allowed to enter in retaliation for what it says are delays in the handover of hostage bodies by the militant group Hamas. The exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and the handover of bodies was central to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza agreed last week."
"An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, told NPR that "contrary to reports, the Rafah Crossing did not open today." Israeli media had reported that the Rafah crossing, closed since Israel seized the Gaza side of the crossing last year, would be reopened in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire on Wednesday was largely holding, although Hamas described Israeli attacks in Gaza as violations of the agreement."
Israel kept the Rafah border crossing closed and reduced daily humanitarian aid into Gaza from the pledged 600 truckloads to 300, citing delays in the handover of hostage bodies by Hamas. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire included exchanges of Israeli hostages, Palestinian detainees, and bodies; the ceasefire was largely holding, though Hamas described some Israeli attacks as violations. Israel retains control of more than half of the Gaza Strip and warned civilians to avoid six locations where its forces are present. Fuel and gas shipments remain restricted. Aid organizations warn 600 trucks per day is the minimum to prevent famine. Hamas has handed over eight bodies.
Read at www.npr.org
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