By Aidan Lewis
CAIRO, Oct 21 (Reuters) – The United Nations is optimistic about sending a second convoy of trucks into Gaza on Sunday. This light inspection system will enable relief deliveries to scale up in the coming week, according to the UN’s humanitarian chief.
A convoy of 20 trucks successfully arrived in Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Saturday. However, Israeli demands to verify aid have caused delays in delivering supplies to the besieged enclave.
The first convoy of trucks was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden after his visit to Israel on Wednesday. It did not undergo inspection, which will be necessary for continuous deliveries.
“Right now, we’re negotiating, but there are indications that we might receive another convoy tomorrow, possibly even larger with 20 to 30 trucks,” said U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths during an interview at a Gaza conference in Cairo.
“Ensuring there is no interruption in aid reaching Gaza is of utmost importance,” Griffiths emphasized. The United Nations estimates that 100 trucks per day are required to meet the essential needs of Gaza, which is currently under a “total siege” imposed by Israel in response to a deadly incursion by Hamas militants. (Reporting by Aidan Lewis)
