U.S. Delivers First Government Flight of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Strip as Part of Israel-Hamas Truce

The United States is sending its first government flight of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, as part of a truce between Israel and Hamas. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Egypt’s northern Sinai and will be transferred to the United Nations for delivery to Gaza.

A senior Biden administration official said the flight will bring a series of items, including medical items, food aid, and winter items, as winter is coming to Gaza. The official said that some of these items have already gone in, but there will be additional items.

The truce between Israel and Hamas entered its fifth day on Tuesday, with the militant group promising to release more civilian hostages to delay the expected resumption of the war. Israel is under growing pressure to spare Palestinian civilians when the fighting resumes.

The sides agreed to extend their truce through Wednesday, with another two planned exchanges of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. This is the first of three planned U.S. flights, according to the officials.

The humanitarian aid from the United States is a welcome relief for the people of Gaza, as they face the prospect of a resumed war with Israel. It is hoped that the truce will be extended and that both sides will find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.