On 2 March, Israel shut all crossings to Gaza - preventing all goods, including food, fuel and medicines from entering - and resumed its military offensive two weeks later, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. It said these steps were meant to put pressure on Hamas to release the hostages it still holds.

Israel has banned any food, shelter, medicine or other goods from entering the Palestinian territory for the past 10 weeks.

The World Central Kitchen charity says it is forced to halt aid operations in Gaza amid Israeli aid blockade. The US-based charity says it has run out of supplies and has been prevented by Israel from delivering much-needed aid.