European leaders and aid groups have criticised Israeli plans to take over distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and use private companies to get food to families after two months in which the military has prevented supplies entering the Strip.

Israel has blockaded all entrances to the Gaza Strip since March. While pummeling the strip with airstrikes, it has banned any food, water, shelter or medication from entering the Palestinian territory,

The United Nations and its partners have condemned the proposals by Israel, which has been barring deliveries of food and medicine for months.