Trucks carrying humanitarian aid have begun entering Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Saturday, for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war, according to agency reports. Earlier, the US embassy had indicated that the crossing could open today as millions of Gazans await life-saving aid.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is the only route through which aid can be delivered to the Palestinians in the strife-torn region. Though Egypt controls the opening, entry of aid into Gaza requires permission from Israel.
'At least 100 trucks required'
The United Nations said the aid convoy waiting to pass through the border is a 'drop in the ocean' when compared to what the Gazans need as Israel continues to pound the region in retaliation to the Hamas attack on October 7. Israel had declared a complete siege over Gaza and cut off essential supplies including electricity.
So far, Israel has only permitted 20 trucks into Gaza at the moment, but has refused to allow fuel into the region, the BBC reported. The United Nations has said that at least 100 are required to deliver immediate assistance. Over 175 trucks with essential medicines, food and water were stuck on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, AFP reported earlier.
The supply of fuel has remained particulary contentious because Israel is concerned it could be distributed to Hamas militants. However, humanitarian agencies have been pushing for fuel as it is a matter of life and death for millions. Gaza's hospitals, tending to the young and the elderly, have been working on back-up generators after Israel cut off power supply. Fuel is also needed for desalination of potable water as Isreal cut off Gaza's water supply too, New York Times reported.
The Times of Israel reported that the crossing closed again after the trucks went through. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffith warned that this first convoy “should not be the last”.
“This aid is a lifeline for those suffering, it cannot be a one-off,” UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said.
Despite pressure from the UN and other humanitarian organisations, Israel had been reluctant to grant permission for entry of the trucks. While Israel has been insisting on some control over scrutinising the contents of the trucks, it has also been demanding the relief materials be delivered only to the southern part of Gaza.
Cairo peace summit today
Days after talks with US President Joe Biden were called off, Egypt is hosting a summit that will bring together more than 20 world leaders to discuss the deepening conflict in the region. According to Reuters, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, UK Foreign Secretary Cleverly, UN chief Antonio Guterres, and several heads of state in the Arab region will attend the summit.
Notably, the list of attendees does not include representatives from Israel, the US, Iran and Hamas.
