Preparations begin to ramp up aid in Gaza as ceasefire brings hope for end to 2-year war

"Preparations were underway Sunday for a ramp-up of aid entering the war-battered Gaza Strip under a new ceasefire deal that many are hoping will signal an end to the devastating 2-year-long war. The Israeli defense body in charge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, COGAT, said that the amount of aid entering Gaza Strip is expected to ramp up on Sunday to around 600 trucks per day, as stipulated in the agreement."

"Egypt said it is sending 400 trucks carrying aid into Gaza Sunday. The trucks will have to be inspected by Israeli forces before being allowed in. Associated Press footage showed dozens of trucks crossing the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing. The Egyptian Red Crescent said the trucks include medical supplies, tents, blankets, food and fuel. The trucks will head to the inspection area in the Kerem Shalom crossing for screening by Israeli troops."

"In recent months, the U.N. and its partners have been able to deliver only 20% of the aid needed in Gaza because of the fighting, border closures and Israeli restrictions on what enters. Expanding Israeli offensives and restrictions on humanitarian aid have triggered a hunger crisis, including famine in parts of the territory. The United Nations has said that it has about 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine and other humanitarian aid ready to enter Gaza once Israel gives the green light."

Preparations were underway for a planned ramp-up of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip to about 600 trucks per day under a new ceasefire arrangement. Egypt said it was sending 400 trucks carrying medical supplies, tents, blankets, food and fuel, with trucks crossing the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing and scheduled for inspection by Israeli forces at Kerem Shalom. The U.N. and partners have delivered only about 20% of needed aid recently because of fighting, border closures and restrictions, contributing to a hunger crisis and localized famine. The U.N. has roughly 170,000 metric tons of aid ready pending Israeli clearance. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s future and its dismantled distribution sites remain uncertain.

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