By Qais Abu Samra
RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Friday that 47 additional aid trucks crossed into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing from Egypt.
The organization said the trucks were loaded with foodstuffs, water bottles, medical supplies and tents.
“No fuel, however, was allowed into Gaza so far,” it added.
Under Israel’s 16-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, around 500 trucks carrying goods used to enter the Strip daily, including 45 trucks carrying fuel. But all that stopped since the outbreak of the conflict Oct. 7 leaving the Palestinian enclave facing a severe shortage of basic commodities, including fuel, which is urgently needed to power hospitals and ensure that water can be treated and made safe to drink.
The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes, since the surprise offensive by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.
Nearly 10,800 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,240 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.
Basic supplies are running low for Gaza's 2.3 million residents due to the Israeli siege, in addition to the large number of casualties and displacements.