The Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza opened this morning, but only for the 20 trucks that Israel agreed to let in. A UN official said that the next convoy might not be allowed to cross until Monday, Oct. 23 reported Al Ahram.
The UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said in a statement from Cairo on Oct. 21 that the humanitarian situation in Gaza “has reached catastrophic levels.” He said he is “confident” that the delivery will mark the start of a “sustainable effort to provide essential supplies” safely and unimpeded. But he warned that it is “critical” that sufficient aid reaches people across Gaza, adding: “The international community cannot continue to fail them.”
Hamas officials said that the 20 trucks of aid “will not be able to change the humanitarian catastrophe that Gaza is currently enduring,” instead calling for a secure corridor operating around the clock.
