Israel's block on deliveries into the war-stricken Gaza Strip has led to price increases and fears of food shortages, prompting punitive measures from the Hamas-run authorities against merchants, according to Hamas sources and witnesses.

Israel introduced what it said was a new U.S. ceasefire plan and is trying to force Hamas to accept it by imposing a siege on the Gaza Strip.

A tense cease-fire between Israel and Hamas continued to hold amid a stalemate over an Israeli block on humanitarian aid going into Gaza after Hamas rejected a U.S. proposed extension.

Al-Azhar, Egypt’s prestigious Islamic institution, denounced Israel on Monday for barring humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, labeling the move a “crime of starving innocent children, women and men” that disregards the sanctity of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the Israeli decision to block critical humanitarian aid from entering Gaza during the Holy month of Ramadan. In a statement, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said this latest action is part of Israel’s systematic campaign to deny much needed humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians in dire need.

Ayoub Maarouf expressed fear and concern for his family after Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza. Israel said it had adopted a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan and Passover hours after the first phase of the previously agreed ceasefire expired.