Fuel trucks start entering Gaza from Egypt as humanitarian pause takes effect

GAZA CITY, Palestine

As a humanitarian pause came into effect in Gaza early on Friday, trucks carrying much-needed fuel began to entering the Palestinian enclave from Egypt in a first since Israel imposed a strict blockade early last month.

UN agencies in the Gaza Strip, particularly the UN Palestinian refugees agency UNRWA, have received only very small quantities of fuel, crucial for their continued operation, since Israel's relentless attacks began on Oct. 7 and its siege reduced humanitarian supplies to a trickle.

Palestinian sources at the Rafah crossing told Anadolu that cooking gas and diesel trucks began entering Gaza from the Egyptian side.

Following the fuel trucks, relief and medical supplies also began crossing into Gaza in line with humanitarian pause deal.

The four-day humanitarian pause between the Israeli army and Palestinian group Hamas came into effect on Friday morning in all areas of the Gaza Strip, temporarily stopping attacks for prisoner exchange and aid.

The pause commenced at 7 a.m. local time (0500GMT).

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar