Israel says 39 trucks of aid entered Gaza today, bringing total since start of war to 171

Israel’s military liaison to the Palestinians, COGAT, announces that 39 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza today (Monday), bringing to 171 the total number of trucks that have entered Gaza through Egypt since the Rafah crossing was opened ten days ago, for the first time since the October 7 Hamas onslaught.

The aid has amassed to hundreds of tons, COGAT says, adding that it has included water, food and medical supplies.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says 45 trucks entered the Strip yesterday, saying Washington aims to surpass that number moving forward — something that did not happen today.

Miller says the US has made progress in ensuring the delivery of fuel into Gaza, which has yet to take place since the war broke out. Israel has barred such deliveries, arguing that Hamas is diverting fuel from civilians for use in its own terror activities.

“Even as we work to provide fuel for these essential humanitarian services, Hamas continues to maintain extensive fuel reserves. Rather than provide that fuel to hospitals or aid workers or for other civilian needs, however, it continues to hoard it for the benefit of its fighters and to carry out its terrorist attacks against Israel,” Miller says, agreeing with the Israeli position.

Miller also says that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the hostage negotiations and efforts to ensure the safety of American citizens during his call with Qatar’s prime minister earlier today.