US sends aid to Gaza for first time

The US announced that it was sending three military planes to Egypt, carrying aid to provide to the people of Gaza during the ceasefire.

"The first of three aid flights flown by the US military will arrive in North Sinai, Egypt on November 28," AFP quoted senior US administration officials as saying. "The move will provide a variety of goods, such as medical supplies, food, and winter gear for civilians."

UN staff will pick up the aid in North Sinai and then deliver it to the Gaza Strip, which shares a border with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, according to the officials.

This is the first time the US has sent aid to Gaza since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7. The operation began a day after US President Joe Biden said he would use the extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to send more aid into Gaza.

Two more flights will arrive in Egypt “in the coming days,” the group of officials said.

Trucks carrying aid into the Gaza Strip on November 28. Photo: AFP — Trucks carrying aid into the Gaza Strip on November 28. Photo: *AFP*

The conflict erupted on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory, killing about 1,200 people and taking 240 civilians hostage. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The fighting between the two sides has left about 16,000 people dead and more than 41,000 injured as of November 23.

The United Nations estimates that about two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced by the fighting, pushing the region into a humanitarian crisis. Water, basic food and fuel are scarce.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day ceasefire starting on November 24 to allow for a hostage exchange and humanitarian aid. During that time, Hamas released 69 people, including 50 Israelis and dual nationals, and 19 foreigners. In return, Israel released 150 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The truce has been extended for two more days.

The US said 800 aid trucks had arrived in Gaza from Egypt during the four-day ceasefire, with some reaching northern Gaza, which has been devastated by fighting.

"The aid operation over the past four to five days has been so large that additional supplies have been needed. The US aid planes are part of that replenishment effort," according to a senior US official.