JERUSALEM/CAIRO >> Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday as a standoff over the truce that has halted fighting for the past six weeks escalated, with Hamas calling on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene.

Israel faced sharp criticism as it stopped the entry of all food and other supplies into Gaza on Sunday and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if a fragile ceasefire isn't extended.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to cease the entry of all entry the humanitarian aid into Gaza as phase one of the hostage deal ends, his office said in a statement on Sunday. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly and Yomna Ehab;

The move was apparently part of a bid to force Hamas into accepting a temporary extension of a cease-fire and releasing more hostages.

Israeli Defense Forces blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza on Sunday, just one day after the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired, bringing negotiations over a permanent truce to a standstill.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not allow any further humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel announced on Sunday (local time) that it has stopped the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza until Hamas agrees to a US-backed extension of the ceasefire deal, following the expiration of phase one of the agreement on Saturday,