The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, has accused Israel of weaponising humanitarian aid with its blockade of goods and electricity into Gaza. Speaking in Geneva, Philippe Lazzarini warned of a renewed hunger crisis if aid supplies did not resume.

Israel's suspension of goods entering Gaza has begun to take a toll on the Palestinian enclave, with some bakeries closing and officials warning of growing risks to the environment including possible discharges of raw sewage into the sea.

GENEVA (Reuters) - Israel is actively encouraging U.N. agencies and other aid groups to take over the work of the U.N. Palestinian relief agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, Israel's ambassador said on Monday, after banning the agency on Israeli territory in January.

Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce.

Germany called on Israel to resume humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, terming the cutting of electricity supplies and a threat to cut off water as unacceptable and not in line with Israel's obligations under international law.