TheCable

About 20 trucks carrying much needed humanitarian aid have been allowed into Gaza — for the first time since the war began two weeks ago.

A statement from the Hamas militant group said the deal allowing supplies through Egypt’s Rafah border crossing was struck by the US.

The 20 trucks, which are among the more than 200 carrying roughly 3,000 tonnes of aid, had been positioned near the crossing for days.

The supplies are expected to ameliorate the hardship faced by Gaza residents who are running out of food, medicine and water following an Israeli siege.

“The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies (canned goods),” the statement reads.

On October 7, the Hamas militant group launched an unprecedented and coordinated land, air and sea incursion of Israel, reportedly killing 1,300 Israelis.

The group also kidnapped at least 150 Israelis and took them into Gaza.

Israel has since ramped up its retaliatory air bombardment of the Gaza Strip and implemented a total blockade of food, fuel and electricity on the territory.

The move has forced Palestinians on the Strip to ration food and to drink filthy water from wells, with hospitals running low on medicines and fuel for generators.

More than 4,000 people have reportedly been killed on both sides since the latest conflict escalated.