Israel blocks $30 million Qatari aid to Gaza

Israel is blocking a transfer of $30 million in Qatari aid to Gaza following a string of incendiary balloon attacks by Gaza-based Islamist group Hamas, according to a report by Israeli daily Haaretz on Friday.

The monthly payment was stalled as Israel also launched fresh air strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, blocked fuel imports into the Palestinian territory and restricted its permitted fishing zone.

As part of an informal truce deal between Hamas and Israel in November 2018, the Jewish state allows millions of dollars in Qatari aid to enter the besieged territory.

Hamas on Thursday condemned Israel's attacks on Gaza and its sanctions as "dangerous and aggressive behaviour", warning of "consequences" the Jewish state will bear. 

Palestinian analysts say fire from Gaza often aims to pressure Israel to give the green light for the transfer of Qatari financial aid into the strip.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008.

Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons.

The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Agencies contributed to this report.

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