Israel has stopped aid from entering northern Gaza but is still allowing it to enter from the south, two officials said on Thursday after images circulated of masked men on aid trucks who clan leaders said were protecting aid,

The Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, which represents influential clans in the enclave, said trucks had been protected as part of an aid security process.

Israel blocked aid deliveries to northern Gaza after claiming goods were being stolen by Hamas. Although some aid is still entering from the south, food availability remains hugely insufficient, with virtually the entire population of the strip at risk of famine: A UN spokesperson this week called Gaza “ the hungriest place on earth.