October 21, 2023
The aid convoy, which was organized by the Egyptian Red Crescent, included trucks carrying food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items. The trucks were allowed to pass through the Rafah border crossing, the only point of entry to Gaza that is not controlled by Israel.
Cairo/Gaza
The first trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the besieged Gaza Strip from Egypt on Saturday, after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire following 12 days of heavy fighting.The aid convoy, which was organized by the Egyptian Red Crescent, included trucks carrying food, water, medical supplies, and other essential items. The trucks were allowed to pass through the Rafah border crossing, the only point of entry to Gaza that is not controlled by Israel.
The entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza is a welcome relief for the territory's 2.3 million residents, who have been suffering from a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies as a result of the Israeli blockade.
"We are grateful to the Egyptian Red Crescent for their efforts to bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "This aid is vital for those who have been displaced and have lost everything."
"We are grateful to the Egyptian Red Crescent for their efforts to bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "This aid is vital for those who have been displaced and have lost everything."
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is a fragile one, and it is unclear how long it will hold. However, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza is a positive step that could help to alleviate the suffering of the territory's residents.
The war also caused a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza. The territory's electricity grid was also damaged, leaving many people without power.
Impact of the war on Gaza
The 12-day war between Israel and Hamas had a devastating impact on Gaza. According to the United Nations, at least 4,137 Palestinians were killed in the fighting, including hundreds of children. Over a million people were displaced from their homes, and many homes and businesses were destroyed.The war also caused a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza. The territory's electricity grid was also damaged, leaving many people without power.
Humanitarian needs
The United Nations estimates that around 1.5 million people in Gaza are in need of humanitarian assistance. The most pressing needs include food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide aid to the people of Gaza, but the scale of the needs is immense. More international support is needed to help the people of Gaza recover from the war and rebuild their lives.