Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned it as a “reward for terror,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “reckless decision” and “a slap in the face” to the victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has called Israel's denial of humanitarian aid in Gaza a violation of international law. In a news statement on Thursday, he pressed for Israel's control of aid distribution to be replaced amid reports of mass starvation in Gaza.

United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher welcomed Israel's decision, but he said action needs to be sustained, vast and fast. Images of emaciated children have fanned criticism, including by Israel's allies.