Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population said that Israel disallowed Egyptian medical aid to pass through its checkpoint to reach the Gaza Strip on Thursday, reported the official MENA news agency.

A statement issued by the ministry was quoted as saying that the Egyptian medical aid included 15.5 tons of medicines and medical supplies.

The relief assistance was supposed to reach the Gaza Strip via Israel's Karem Abu-Salem checkpoint in line with an agreement with the Israeli authorities beforehand.

Upon arrival at the crossing, the Israeli authorities disallowed those medical staff to pass and announced the checkpoint closed until Sunday, said the statement, without giving more details.

During the last several days, the Egyptian government, the Egyptian Red Crescent Society and other donors have significantly increased urgent aid supplies, including food stuff and medicines, to the Palestinians.

The Palestinians were facing a severe shortage of drug, medical equipment and food due to a financial crisis after an aid cutoff by major international donors.

Since the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) won the Jan. 25 legislative elections, major international donors including the European Union (EU) and the United States have suspended their financial aid to the Palestinians due to Hamas rejection to their conditions, namely renouncement of violence, recognition of Israel and honoring previous international commitments.

Source: Xinhua