Preparations were underway on Sunday to ramp up aid entering the war-battered Gaza Strip under a new ceasefire deal that many hope will signal an end to the devastating two-year-long war between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli defence body in charge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, COGAT, said the amount of aid entering the Palestinian territory is expected to increase on Sunday to about 600 trucks per day, as stipulated in the agreement.
Egypt said it is sending 400 aid trucks into Gaza on 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 they carried 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.
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 it has about 170,000 tonnes of food, medicine and other humanitarian aid ready to enter once Israel gives the green light.
Abeer Etifa, a
Continue Reading on CBC News
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.