WASHINGTON: The first commercial trucks have crossed into the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas war started more than two months ago, joining UN assistance deliveries, said the United States on Monday.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller speaking to reporters termed it a critical step toward improving the lives of the Palestinian people in Gaza. He said it is not just humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza but also commercial goods that can be sold in stores and markets.
He did not mention details on the quantities or operators but said the trucks were largely carrying food and stocks of things which have depleted since Israel sealed off the territory since the start of war on October 7.
Trucks enter into Gaza through Rafah crossing
The trucks entered in Gaza through Rafah crossing which is controlled by Egypt and Hamas.
Miller went on to say that both the border crossing and the arrival of commercial trucks is the outcome of intensive diplomacy by US officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
He said that the US will continue to work closely with Israel, Egypt and partner states in the region to further enhance the humanitarian assistance flowing into Gaza to address the needs of the Palestinian people.
The Gaza health ministry has said that 19,453 innocent Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war so far mostly women and children.
According to the UN some 1.87 million Palestinians, over 80 percent of Gaza’s population, have left their homes.
The war was paused for seven days as a result of a Qatar- US brokered deal during which Hamas released 105 captives, including 80 in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
