WFP halts Gaza aid delivery via US pier amid famine fears

The UN's main food agency said it was forced to pause its operations from the US-built floating pier off Gaza on Sunday following Israel's deadly massacre in Nuseirat on the weekend which saw hundreds killed and injured and hospitals overwhelmed with casualties.

The WFP said it was concerned for the welfare of its staff and that facilities were hit during the weekend attacks, but did not disclose how long operations would be halted.

Aid entry into the war-torn enclave has dramatically reduced since May after Israeli forces seized control of a main border crossing at Rafah, despite the mounting needs of the population, who are facing hunger and disease.

Bombs continued to fall across the Strip on Monday, with Israeli shelling reported in neighbourhoods in Gaza City and north of Rafah, as well as air raids on Deir al-Balah city, with several civilians killed in the attacks, according to local journalists.

Meanwhile, ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel remain deadlocked with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken due in Cairo on Monday to hold meetings with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The top diplomat will then head to occupied Jerusalem to meet with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu who is facing internal revolt following the departure of senior minister Benny Gantz on Sunday.

© Al-Araby Al-Jadeed