Gaza - May 21, 2024

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IDF: COGAT continues its humanitarian efforts: 450 humanitarian aid trucks were transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing and the Erez West Crossing. 650 truckloads are waiting for collection and distribution by international aid agencies on the Gazan side of the crossings

The IDF, via the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), continues its efforts to facilitate the passage of hundreds of trucks containing food, water, medical supplies, and shelter equipment for the residents of Gaza. Today (Tuesday), 451 humanitarian aid trucks were inspected and transferred to the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing and the Erez West Crossing of the Ministry of Defense’s Land Crossing Authority following security checks.

During the day, 381 trucks were inspected and transferred through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, alongside 70 trucks through the Erez West Crossing. Among these trucks, 62 trucks were transferred from the Ashdod Port containing flour for the World Food Programme (WFP) for operating bakeries across the Gaza Strip, and 44 Jordanian trucks with humanitarian aid were also transferred.

However, despite the significant humanitarian efforts led by the IDF via COGAT to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, 650 truckloads remain waiting for collection and distribution by international aid agencies on the Gazan side of the Kerem Shalom and the Erez West crossings. These trucks are awaiting distribution due to the lack of logistical capabilities and manpower gaps in the international aid agencies, leading to the accumulation of humanitarian aid at the crossings.

As part of the ongoing humanitarian efforts for Gazan civilians, over 400,000 tons of food and approximately 23,000 tons of medical supplies have entered the Gaza Strip since the war began on October 7th. Additionally, 250,000 tents, of which 40,000 were purchased by the State of Israel, were provided for civilians in the Gaza Strip. Currently, around 25 liters of water per person per day are entering the Gaza Strip from Israel, alongside water through two new water lines from Egypt.

The IDF will continue its efforts to allow the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea in accordance with international law.