EU welcomes entry of aid convoy from Egypt into Gaza Strip

Athens: The EU on Saturday welcomed the entry of an aid convoy from Egypt into the Gaza Strip.

“I commend the efforts of the UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres, the Egyptian Red Crescent, the World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF said the European Council President Charles Michel on X.

Earlier, a humanitarian convoy of 20 trucks began to enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the first since the armed conflict broke out between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

“We must continue building on these positive steps to urgently bring humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable civilians,” Michel said.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. That figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.