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UN: Aid trucks enter Gaza amid fragile ceasefire

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A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt, January 19, 2025. /CFP
A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt, January 19, 2025. /CFP

A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt, January 19, 2025. /CFP

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 915 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Monday, the second day of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants, Hamas, following 15 months of war.

OCHA cited data from Israel and the ceasefire guarantors – the U.S., Qatar and Egypt. On Sunday, the UN stated that approximately 630 aid trucks entered the Palestinian enclave, with at least 300 of those directed to the north, where experts warn of an impending famine.

The ceasefire agreement mandates that 600 truckloads of aid must enter Gaza daily during the initial six-week truce, including 50 trucks carrying fuel. Half of these shipments are allocated for northern Gaza.

Data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) indicated that 2,892 aid trucks entered Gaza in December. These supplies are delivered to the Gaza side of the border, where they are collected by the UN for distribution.

However, distribution has been hampered by gangs and looters. OCHA reported that 2,230 aid truckloads – averaging 72 per day – were picked up in December, with the daily average falling to 51 between January 1 and January 5.

Israel's bombardment has devastated much of Gaza, displacing its pre-war population of 2.3 million people multiple times. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the humanitarian crisis as "catastrophic."

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Monday, Guterres emphasized the significant challenges the UN continues to face. He called for rapid, safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.

"Visas, permits and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief," Guterres said. "We require the necessary technical, protective and communications equipment."

He urged both Israel and Hamas to cooperate with the UN effectively to facilitate humanitarian operations. "This also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies," he added.

Guterres also appealed to countries to accept patients requiring medical treatment, ensure sufficient commercial supplies are allowed into Gaza, and remove explosive ordnance.

Israel claims that Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people during the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the conflict. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 47,000 Palestinians have died since the war began.

(With input from Reuters)

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