Rafah: A convoy of humanitarian aid trucks has arrived in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip from Egypt, delivering much-needed relief to the Palestinian territory under Israeli blockade.
The arrival of aid comes after Israel had pledged to destroy Hamas following a major attack by the group on October 7.
In response to the attack, Israel initiated a military campaign and imposed restrictions on essential supplies, including food, water, electricity, and fuel, which led to concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the densely populated and long-blockaded Gaza, home to 2.4 million people.
A group of 20 trucks, operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent and responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, crossed into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, the only entry point not controlled by Israel. The crossing was temporarily closed after the trucks' passage, reported AFP.
These trucks had been waiting on the Egyptian side after Israel agreed to allow aid delivery, following a request from the United States.
UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths emphasised that this convoy should be the beginning of a sustained effort to provide essential supplies to Gaza, highlighting the critical need for such aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also stressed that this aid is a matter of life and death for many Palestinians in Gaza.
However, Michael Ryan, Director of Emergencies at the World Health Organization, pointed out that the initial delivery of 20 trucks is insufficient, and approximately 2,000 trucks are required to address the pressing needs.
The Israeli-Hamas conflict has had severe human costs, with significant casualties reported. Israel claims that around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed, while Palestinian sources have reported over 4,000 Palestinian casualties, the majority being civilians.
In a rare development, two hostages were released by Hamas, offering a glimmer of hope in a dire situation. The release was mediated by Qatar, and it was warmly welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who expressed his commitment to secure the return of other Americans held in the region.
However, many more hostages remain in uncertain conditions, and their families are calling for urgent intervention to secure their release.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued unabated, and Israeli forces are reportedly poised for an imminent ground invasion. The situation remains highly volatile, and the risk to the hostages is a significant concern.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is hosting a peace summit attended by regional and Western leaders to address the escalating tensions.
Gaza is currently facing a dire humanitarian situation, with almost half of its residents displaced. Buildings have been destroyed, and thousands have sought refuge in tent cities. International agencies, including the UN, are working to provide assistance in the region.
The situation also has wider regional implications, with the United States requesting $14 billion in emergency military aid for Israel. Tensions remain high in the region, with the US deploying two aircraft carriers in the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran and Hezbollah, both of which are aligned with Hamas.
Cross-border hostilities continue, resulting in casualties, and evacuations have been ordered in affected areas. Protests against the ongoing conflict have erupted in various regions.
In the West Bank, clashes have led to casualties, further exacerbating the situation. Against this backdrop of violence, Israel has urged its citizens to leave Egypt and Jordan immediately.