Aid convoy trucks cross the Rafah border from the Egyptian side on Oct. 21, 2023 in North Sinai, Egypt.Aid convoy trucks cross the Rafah border from the Egyptian side on Oct. 21, 2023 in North Sinai, Egypt.JERUSALEM — Twenty trucks carrying medicine, medical supplies and food crossed into Gaza on Saturday morning from Egypt, marking the first humanitarian aid to arrive in the territory since an Israeli bombardment campaign began two weeks ago.
An Israeli siege has cut off the flow of food, water, electricity and fuel to the territory, intensifying a humanitarian crisis.About a million Palestinians — roughly half of Gaza's population — have fled their homes to seek shelter elsewhere inside Gaza. But with borders closed, none had been able to leave the territory.
The 20 trucks represent a U.N.-brokered deal urged along by world leaders, including President Biden, who visited Israel last week. Among the concerns delaying the aid were Israel's fear that Hamas could intercept it or use the trucks to smuggle in weapons.But aid groups have warned that 20 truckloads do not come close to addressing the humanitarian needs in Gaza, where the U.N. reports a severe shortage of potable water, food and medical supplies.