Berlin urges Israel to ‘immediately’ stop blocking aid to Gaza

Germany on Monday urged Israel to “immediately” stop blocking aid flowing into war-ravaged Gaza, after Israel made the move as talks on a truce extension appeared to hit an impasse. “Unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip must be guaranteed at all times,” foreign ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer told a press briefing. “Granting or denial of humanitarian access is not a legitimate means of pressure in negotiations.” Germany, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, also called on Palestinian militant group Hamas to release the hostages it was still holding, Fischer said.