The European Union has said it condemned what it called Hamas’s refusal to accept the extension of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, adding Israel’s subsequent aid blockade “risked humanitarian consequences”, AFP reports.

“The EU calls for a rapid resumption of negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire, and expresses its strong support to the mediators,” Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for EU foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement.

“A permanent ceasefire would contribute to the release of all remaining Israeli hostages while ensuring the necessary conditions for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza to begin,” El Anouni said, adding “all parties have a political responsibility to make this a reality”.