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Israel Increases Humanitarian Effort to the Gaza Strip Videos Video Footage of Humanitarian Aid, Click here Live Video Feed From Kerem Shalom, Click here Informational Updates January 26, 2009 Humanitarian aid continues to flow in to the Gaza Strip; Jordanian field hospital arrives in Gaza (Communicated by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Spokesman) Kerem Shalom, Karni, Nahal Oz and Erez crossings operated today, enabling humanitarian movements and transfer of humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip. Throughout the day, a total of 225 trucks with 6192 tons of supplies delivered goods at the request of UNRWA, the World Food Programme, UNICEF, ANERA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and Handicap International. Included was a donation from Jordan as well as goods for the private sector. Also, 366,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the Gaza power station, 122 tons of gas for domestic use and 188,000 liters of commercial diesel were transferred via the Nahal Oz fuel depot. Following extensive maintenance activities, Karni conveyor belt resumed operation and conveyed 3800 tons of different types of grain . In accordance with the ongoing Jordanian aid to the people of Gaza, a Jordanian military field hospital, coordinated between Israel and the Jordanian authorities, arrived today in the Gaza Strip. Some 33 trucks with approximately 210 medical professionals as well as equipment entered the region at Allenby Bridge and traveled in a convoy to the Gaza Strip via Erez Crossing. The field hospital is to be established adjacent to the Shifa hospital. Since the beginning of the operation, 70,035 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to the Gaza Strip. Also, 6,565,451 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. In the ongoing humanitarian effort, since the unilateral cease fire (18/1/2009), 34,460 tons of aid has been delivered to the Gaza Strip and 2,746,900 liters of fuel. January 25, 2009 Humanitarian aid continues to flow in to Gaza - Jordanian Military hospital due to arrive tomorrow at Gaza (Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) The Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz and Erez crossings operated on today enabling humanitarian movements and transfer of humanitarian goods in to Gaza. Throughout the day, a total of 127 trucks laden with 2,610 tons of supplies were transferred at the request of UNRWA, the World Food Programme, UNICEF and a donation from Turkey. Also, 448,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the Gaza power station and 137 tons of gas for domestic use were transferred via the Nahal Oz fuel depot. Karni crossing remained closed due to maintenance. In Accordance with the ongoing Jordanian Aid to the People of Gaza, a Jordanian military field hospital has been coordinated between Israel and the Jordanian Authorities and is scheduled to arrive tomorrow at the Gaza Strip. Some 33 trucks with approximately 210 medical staff and equipment will access the region at Allenby Bridge and make their way to the Gaza Strip via Erez Crossing. Since the beginning of the operation, 63,843 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to the Gaza Strip. Also, 6,000,451 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. January 21, 2009 Humanitarian Aid Transferred to Gaza (Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) The Kerem Shalom, Karni, Nahal Oz and Erez crossings opened today enabling humanitarian movements and transfer of humanitarian goods in to Gaza. Throughout the day a total of 181 trucks with 5221 tons of supplies at the request of various international organizations, donations from Turkey, Jordan and Canada all made their way to Gaza. At Karni, a sum of 3600 tons of different types of grain was transferred via the conveyor belt including wheat, chickpeas, humus, lentils and animal feed. Also, 456,000 liters of heavy duty diesel and 163 tons of domestic gas were transferred to the Gaza Strip via Nahal Oz fuel depot. 232 dual nationals were evacuated via Erez to Jordan at the request of the governments of the Denmark (1), France (4), Germany (1), Canada (9), Turkey (10), Rumania (12), Austria (11), Jordan (9), Greece (9), United States (93), Philippines (20), Australia (4), Sri Lanka (1) and Norway (43). This activity is scheduled to continue in the coming days. Since the beginning of the operation, 53,647 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to Gaza on 2084 trucks. Also, 3,162,351 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. A total of 681 dual nationals have been evacuated on three different occasions. January 20, 2009 Over 6000 Tons of Humanitarian Aid Transferred to Gaza - Hamas Terrorists Hijack International Aid (Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) The Kerem Shalom, Karni, Nahal Oz and Erez crossings operated on Tuesday enabling humanitarian movements and transfer of humanitarian goods in to Gaza. Throughout the day a total of 210 trucks laden with 6489 tons of supplies were delivered to Gaza, at the request of various international organizations. It included donations from Turkey, Egypt and an Israeli Arab organization, and 10 trucks of an Egyptian donation of 227 tons of flour entered directly into Gaza though Kerem Shalom. COGAT has had numerous reports that Hamas gunmen were hijacking international aid being brought to Gaza. Also, 11 mortars were fired at Israel, many of them landing in close vicinity of Kerem Shalom, Nahal Oz and Karni crossings. In addition, 443,000 liters of heavy duty diesel and 198 tons of domestic gas were transferred to the Gaza Strip via Nahal Oz fuel depot. Since the beginning of the operation, 48,426 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to Gaza in 1693 trucks. Also, 2,706,351 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. Also, 3000 units of blood, 20 ambulances were donated, 449 dual nationals were evacuated from Gaza, and 71 people were evacuated to Israel for medical treatment. January 17, 2009 Humanitarian effort continues on a daily basis, as such the flow of goods is an ongoing operation. On Thursday, (16 Jan.) 3333 tons of humanitarian aid and 115,000 liters of heavy duty diesel were transferred to the Gaza Strip. The shipment was comprised of basic food commodities, medical supplies, dairy products, a large Jordanian donation medical supplies and powdered milk from the World Health Organization and a donation from an Israeli peace initiative. The private sector continues to transfer supplies according to humanitarian demands including toiletries. Due to ongoing constrictions at Nahal Oz some 115,000 liters of heavy duty diesel were transferred via Kerem Shalom for the Gaza Power station. At the Karni conveyor 1400 tons of grain, including wheat, corn and animal feed were transferred. Since the beginning of the operation, 32,445 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to Gaza in 1314 trucks. Also, 1,551,351 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. January 16, 2009 Humanitarian aid continues to be a main component of the humanitarian effort. As such, over the last two days 3790 tons of aid, donations and goods for the private sector were shipped to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. Also, some 108 liters of heavy duty diesel were transferred via Kerem Shalom for the Gaza Power station. The Karni conveyor belt is due to be reutilized today following a technical malfunction. Nahal Oz fuel depot is currently full with fuel and gas and can only be used once the depot is emptied. COGAT is working together with UNRWA in order to overcome this obstacle. Since the beginning of the operation, 29,112 tons of humanitarian supplies have been transferred to Gaza in 1202 trucks. Also, 1,436,350 liters of fuel have been conveyed through Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom. January 15, 2009 Humanitarian recess to be extended by an Additional Hour following Visit of Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center to the Southern Command (Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) The humanitarian pause in the fighting will be extended for an additional hour as of today (15 Jan.) and scheduled to take place on a daily basis, due to the dialogue between the Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center (JHCC) and commanders in the field. Members of the JHCC visited the Kerem Shalom cargo terminal and met with military commanders in the field. They also viewed the special humanitarian command post set up at a military base in the vicinity to coordinate medical movement and attend to the needs of the international organizations. The JHCC was established by COGAT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to provide a high level, "hot line", point of contact for the international organizations who are members of the JHCC. The JHCC serves as an integrative value-added coordinating body for all humanitarian efforts to the Gaza Strip. Among the priorities of the humanitarian coordination is the transfer of goods into Gaza, the repairs of electrical grid and sewage systems, evacuation of wounded, coordination of medical assistance and evacuation of foreign and dual nationals. The electrical supply is also being rehabilitated, the grid has been repaired and electricity is at 74% capacity up from 40% earlier in the operation. Rehabilitation of the power network is a direct result of the coordination between the IDF, the Palestinian Energy Authority and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The IDF intends to open all crossing points as soon as possible to enable maximum flow of goods, fuels and medical supplies and there are plans to increase the capacity of the crossings. Indeed today, the Karni conveyer belt is operating, operations of Karni and Nahal Oz were disrupted due to a terrorist tunnel that targeted the crossings. The JHCC visitors learned that often problems are caused due to lack of organization on the part of Palestinian contractors. For example, for three days the IDF suspended operations in order to enable an ICRC convoy to escort Palestinian technicians to repair the pump of the Beit Lahiya sewage facility. For the first two days the technicians didn't arrive and today when they did arrive they didn't have the proper vehicles and implements to carry out the task. Since the beginning of the operation a total of 1,136 trucks of produce have entered the Gaza Strip with over 26,000 tons of goods. In addition, fuel trucks and medical personnel have entered as well. Southern Command Appoints Team to Coordinate Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Strip (Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson) The head of southern command, Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, has issued an order to create a special team to support humanitarian and infrastructural efforts that will assist the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip to rebuild the infrastructure needed to conduct a regular life. The team, headed by Brigadier General (res.) Shimi Daniel, was instructed to gather and coordinate all commands and operations concerning humanitarian matters, in accordance with the decisions made by the General Staff. The team consists of representatives from the Coordination and Liaison office, Military Advocacy- International Jurisdiction specialists, medical and logistical personnel and members of other units. January 14, 2009 During the day 105 trucks carrying humanitarian aid passed through Kerem Shalom crossing. These trucks carried 2310 tons of food, medical equipment, and other basic supplies. In addition, 104,000 liters of fuel were delivered to Gaza. Since the start of Operation Cast Lead, approximately 1,100 trucks of humanitarian aid carrying over 26,000 tons of humanitarian aid and over 1,400,000 liters of diesel fuel were transferred to the Gaza Strip. January 13, 2009 Today, 2310 tons of humanitarian aid including basic food commodities, medical supplies and medication were transferred to the Gaza Strip. Also, 156,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the Gaza power station were conveyed at Kerem Shalom crossing. The transfer of fuel via Kerem Shalom took place due to limitations at the Nahal Oz fuel depot where the IDF found a terrorist tunnel yesterday. The total shipment of aid today includes 102 trucks of aid and 4 trucks of fuel. The commodities that were conveyed included supplies for UNRWA, the World Food Programme, UNICEF a large Jordanian donation, a donation form Turkey, MAPUK, Norwegian Christian Aid, and goods for the private sector. The goods for the private sector include 208 tons of dairy products and supplies required for maintenance of the water network. Also, a medical team of 5 French doctors entered Gaza via the Erez Crossing. The IDF opened again a temporary humanitarian recess from 09:00-13:00 in order to enable the distribution of aid into the Gaza Strip. It is planned that this recess will continue to be open tomorrow between 13:00-16:00. Since the beginning of operation "Cast Lead" 24,356 tons of humanitarian aid on 1028 trucks have been shipped to the Gaza Strip. January 12, 2009 Today, a total of 3129 tons of humanitarian aid including basic food commodities, medical supplies and medication were transferred to the Gaza Strip. This is the largest shipment of humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip since the military operation began. The commodities were conveyed on 120 trucks and included supplies for UNRWA, the World Food Programme, UNICEF a large Jordanian donation and goods for the private sector. Also, due to an attempt to smuggle electronics, including night vision surveillance cameras, four trucks of supplies were turned back, and despite this cynical attempt to abuse the humanitarian platform one truck of electronic supplies intended to rehabilitate the electrical network was transferred. Since the beginning of operation "Cast Lead": 1. 22,046 tons of humanitarian aid have been shipped to the Gaza Strip 2. 850 foreigners and dual nationals are due to be evacuated from Gaza overall 3. 3000 units of blood were donated by Jordan 4. 34 people evacuated to Israel for medical needs, including two injured children To View a Live Feed from Kerem Shalom Crossing, Click here Video Footage of Humanitarian Aid, Click here January 11, 2009 Humanitarian Aid Update (Communicated by COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) Since the beginning of the Israeli operation in Gaza: 1. 806 truckloads (19,983 tons) of humanitarian aid have been delivered to Gaza, of which 435 truckloads were donated by international aid organizations and governments. Priority is given to humanitarian supplies in accordance with the needs raised by the international community and the Palestinian civil committee. 2. 449 dual nationals were evacuated from Gaza. 3. 3000 units of blood were donated by Jordan. 4. 5 ambulances donated by Turkey. 5. 5 ambulances transferred from the West Bank on behalf of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. 6. 34 people evacuated to Israel for medical needs, including two injured children. Since January 7, 2009, the IDF is implementing a "humanitarian recess" for three hours on a daily basis, in accordance with the needs and the security situation in the area. Open contacts and a 24-hour "hot line" with the international organizations (UNRWA, ICRC, WHO, WFP, etc.) was established in order to evaluate and coordinate the humanitarian needs and requirements of the Palestinian civilian population. COGAT is also in contact with the Palestinian Authority, the Fatah civilian committee in Gaza and the Palestinian private sector in order to assess the humanitarian needs and requirements and to coordinate the entry of humanitarian products and merchandise into Gaza. During this period of time: 1. The international organizations distributed humanitarian equipment and food in distribution centers for the civilian population. 2. Funerals were conducted. 3. Medical movement was coordinated. Movements of international organization representatives were coordinated (for example, supplies to a school in Beit Hanoun that provides shelter, food supplies to the warehouses in northern Gaza). High Level Meetings Ensure Ongoing Humanitarian Effort (Communicated by Coordination for Government Activity in the Territories) This morning a meeting was held between the Gaza Division Commander, Brigadier General Eytan Eizenberg, the head of the Joint Humanitarian Coordination Center, Brigadier General Baruch Spiegel, the Deputy Head of COGAT, Brigadier General Camil Abu Rukun as well as the commander of the Coordination and Liaison Administration, Colonel Moshe Levi and senior delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNWRA. In the meeting working guidelines for humanitarian issues were agreed upon in order to increase and improve the cooperation and prevent mishaps between the organizations and the IDF. Also the IDF will work in order to assist the organizations in carrying out and improving their work vis-a-vis the civilian population in Gaza. Following the above meeting and meetings held over the weekend between Major General Amos Gilad, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and UN bodies and the ICRC, shipments of humanitarian supplies on behalf of the organizations resumed today. Over the weekend a total of 132 trucks with 3339 tons of humanitarian goods were transferred. These goods included basic food commodities, medical supplies, electrical supplies for the Palestinian Energy Authority, a donation of approximately 1000 blood units from Jordan and a total of 42 truck loads for UN bodies. Hamas Confiscates Donations of Flour (Communicated by the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) Recently, reports have been accumulating saying that Hamas elements are confiscating food donations sent into Gaza during the current operation. The reports point in particular to the confiscation of flour and its sale, often at outrageous prices. Today in a Hamas internet forum, surfers complained about the confiscations of flour donations in Dir-al'Balech by Hamas elements. There is also a description of how Hamas transfers the donations to its own warehouses, and distributes them to only two bakeries in the city - Albana Bakery and Al-Tzalah Union Bakery - both of which belong to Hamas. January 9, 2009 Israel is striving to coordinate convoys and other means under challenging operational conditions to support the transfer of aid to Gaza residents. In order to facilitate this effort, the IDF has opened a special coordination center that includes representatives from international aid organizations. The IDF again opened a temporary humanitarian corridor on January 9th from 13:00-16:00 in order to enable the distribution of aid into the Gaza Strip. It is planned that this corridor will continue to be opened on a daily basis. Today, 41 trucks carrying food products and electrical equipment entered via the Kerem Shalom crossing. While most of the population in the Gaza Strip has electricity, work continues to restore additional electrical lines. Truckloads of aid included: 1.18 flour 2. 7 chicken feed 3. 5 canned goods 4. 3 electric equipment 5. 2 oil 6. 2 potatoes 7. 2 corn 8. 1 rice 9. 1 barley Ongoing activities are taking place in order to restore additional electrical lines. Nevertheless, most of the population in the Gaza Strip has electricity. Since the beginning of the operation, 705 trucks and 10 ambulances have entered into the Gaza Strip. Video Footage of Humanitarian Aid Being Delivered to Gaza, Click here January 8, 2009 Today between 13:00 and 16:00, the IDF implemented for the second successive day, a humanitarian recess in offensive activities. This step enabled the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip to replenish stocks and enabled the international organizations to carry out their humanitarian missions. Throughout the day some 223 dual nationals were evacuated from the Gaza Strip at the request of sixteen different countries including Serbia, Australia, Philippines, Holland, Austria, Romania, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Britain, Norway, Poland Turkey, Sri Lanka and Canada. The evacuees exited from Erez crossing and were shuttled to Allenby Bridge by the various embassies and made their way to Jordan and beyond. Also, the Kerem Shalom and Nahal Oz Crossings facilitated movement of 89 humanitarian shipments to the Gaza Strip with 2227 tons of food products, medical supplies and medication. And 315,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the Gaza power station and 143 tons of gas for domestic uses. Cessation of IDF Offensive Activities in Gaza to Take Place for the Second Consecutive Day (Communicated by COGAT – Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) Today between 13:00 and 16:00, the IDF will implement for the second successive day a humanitarian recess in offensive activities. This step is in order to enable the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip to replenish stocks and to enable the international organizations to carry out their humanitarian missions. Also this morning, approximately 300 dual nationals are expected to be evacuated via the Erez terminal at the request of the various embassies. The dual nationals will be shuttled to Allenby Bridge and make their way to Jordan accompanied by embassy staff. Approximately 100 trucks to be transferred to Gaza via Kerem Shalom, and for the first time as a pilot via Erez. Finally, some 500,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the Gaza power station are scheduled to be conveyed to Gaza via the Nahal Oz fuel depot. January 7, 2009 “Humanitarian corridor" Labeled a Success Today, following the decision of the Israeli political echelon, the IDF employed a humanitarian hiatus in order to enable the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip to replenish stocks and to enable the international organizations to carry out their humanitarian missions. The "humanitarian corridor" was encompassed two main components, first a total cessation of IDF offensive activities between one o'clock, and four o'clock in the afternoon and second, an opening of Kerem Shalom and Nahal Oz crossings. Needless to say Hamas terrorists didn't hold their fire and unnecessarily put civilians at risk. Similar humanitarian activities are scheduled to take place on a daily basis. Throughout the day the crossings facilitated the movement of 76 truck loaded with 2068 tons of humanitarian goods. The humanitarian aid was conveyed throughout the day and was comprised of donations from Jordan and Egypt, and aid on behalf of UNRWA, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Also, 482,000 liters of heavy duty diesel for the power plant, 92,000 liters of diesel for UN humanitarian operations and 43 tons of gas for domestic use were transferred to the Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of the operation some 15000 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered through the crossings. The Coordination and Liaison Administration also coordinated the movement of 14 ambulances from Shifa hospital to the Rafah border crossing to facilitate medical evacuation of wounded. Further coordination activities included transport of fuel tankers to replenish diesel supplies in hospitals in the northern region, and coordination of access to main power lines to rehabilitate the power supply. Works are underway and are expected to be completed over the next few days. Supplies for the electrical infrastructure are scheduled to be shipped tomorrow (8.1.2009). Cessation of IDF activities in Gaza order to facilitate humanitarian activities - (Communicated by COGAT – Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Ministry of Defense) Following the decision of the Israeli political echelon, as of today (Wednesday, 7 January 2009) the IDF will refrain from fire throughout Gaza City for a period of three hours, in order to enable a "humanitarian recess" for the people within the area of operation. This activity is scheduled to be implemented on a bi-daily basis. During this time, the Palestinians will be able to acquire basic necessities, replenish stock and seek aid from the various international organizations operating within the Gaza Strip. Today, Wednesday, the IDF will halt all fire in Gaza City from 13:00-16:00 (1:00-4:00 pm). The second component of the humanitarian effort will enable approximately 80 trucks carrying medicine, medical supplies and basic food commodities to pass into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing and approximately half a million liters of heavy duty diesel are scheduled to pass through the Nahal Oz terminal, as well as 60,000 liters of fuel to be transferred for the first time by truck via the Kerem Shalom crossing. January 6, 2009 Today 57 trucks loaded with humanitarian shipments destined for the Gaza Strip traveled through Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. The goods transferred included flour, powdered milk, medical supplies and medication, barely and animal feed. The 1312 tons of aid were shipped in to Gaza at the request of international organizations including UNRWA, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organizations and international donors. The donations today were on behalf of the governments of Jordan, Egypt and Greece. In order to facilitate the ongoing needs of the water infrastructure, and at the request of the Palestinian Authority, a shipment of hypochlorite was also transferred to Gaza. Also the Coordination and Liaison Administration to the Gaza Strip coordinated with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross the rehabilitation of a power line leading in to Gaza city. This step will resume 12MV to the city of Gaza, while ongoing activities are taking place in order to repair additional electrical lines. January 5, 2009 Today for the first time since the beginning of the ground operation the Gaza Strip crossings opened for activity. The Humanitarian effort, that is a complimentary component of the military operation, facilitated the movement of 49 trucks laden with humanitarian good. The goods transferred were comprised of basic food commodities, medical supplies and medication. Today the World Food Programme resumed delivery of commodities to the Gaza strip following a two day recess. Tomorrow Kerem Shalom is scheduled to open for 80 shipments of aid. Also, Nahal Oz fuel depot operated and conveyed 215,000 liters of heavy duty diesel (required for the Gaza power station), 93,000 liters of diesel for the use of various UN organizations and 50 tons of cooking gas for domestic uses. At the request of the International Committee of the Red Cross Israel also facilitated the access for two doctors and two nurses to the Gaza Strip, via Erez crossing. Dual Nationals Evacuation At the request of various embassies an evacuation of some 200 dual nationals is also planned to take place today. Nationals of Norway, Germany, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Spain, Malta, France, Greece, Austria and Canada have made arrangements to leave Gaza to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge. January 4, 2009 Israel continues to ensure that the civilian population in the Gaza Strip receives food, medicines and other humanitarian necessities, even as Hamas and other terrorist groups launch dozens of missiles daily at Israeli communities. Since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead on December 27, 2008, Israeli defense officials at the Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) have been working together with the international organizations in the Gaza Strip as well as various governments in order to assess the humanitarian needs, requirements and make the necessary response. Since the beginning of the operation, and on a daily basis, the international community has been able to increase the amount of goods supplied to Gaza. Since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead some 400 truckloads of humanitarian aid have been transferred at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further shipments expected to arrive in the coming days. Details of humanitarian aid transferred to the Gaza Strip via Israeli crossings since December 27, 2008: 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza throughout the week 226 dual nationals were evacuated from Gaza 2000 units of blood were donated by Jordan 5 ambulances donated by Turkey 5 ambulances transferred from the West Bank on behalf of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society 20 people were evacuated to Israel for medical needs, including two injured children. All reports indicate that there are sufficient medicine and food in Gaza. The crossings to Gaza are open for the transfer of humanitarian aid from all international organizations, in full cooperation with the Israeli authorities and without restriction. January 2, 2009 Israel transferred 64 trucks carrying 1,530 tons of humanitarian aid (including basic foods, medicines and medical supplies, tents and generators) via the Kerem Shalom crossing. Among the trucks were 25 UNRWA trucks, eight trucks of food donated by Turkey, and three trucks of medical equipment from the WHO. At the requests of the governments of Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Norway, Turkey, and the United States 230 nationals and dual nationals evacuated the Gaza Strip today. The evacuation took place from Erez Terminal at the request of the governments. The evacuees were escorted by the defense officials and embassy staff to the Allenby bridge from there they will proceed to their home countries. The Defense ministry has worked closely with the relevant authorities in order to implement the various governments' requests. Similar preparations are being made for other nationals that have requested evacuation Also, additional humanitarian aid was transferred today to the Gaza Strip via Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. 64 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid including medical supplies, basic food commodities and medication. The shipment included 1530 tones of aid. The shipment included a large donation of 11,000 food parcels on behalf of the government of Turkey. Throughout the humanitarian effort, since 28th December 2008, over 9000 tons of aid has been shipped to Gaza with coordination between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the International Organizations and various donors. January 1, 2009: Today 8 Palestinians accessed Israel for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. All of those that accessed Israel are chronically sick people, and their escorts, seeking medical treatment that is unavailable available within the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, despite ongoing rocket fire, Israel continues with the extensive humanitarian effort in coordination with the international organizations, Palestinian Authority and various donors. Today, 60 trucks, with approximately 1360 tons of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication were conveyed through Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. Tomorrow 72 trucks laden with humanitarian assistance are scheduled to be transferred. Since the beginning of operation "cast lead" some 7800 tons of aid have been transferred at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further humanitarian shipments expected to arrive in the coming days. For instance, the International Committee of the Red Cross, has sent an airplane with medical items the can treat up to 500 wounded people. Other countries and organizations scheduled to send aid include Greece, Norway, Turkey, Jordan, Russia and the World Health Organization. Ongoing Humanitarian Effort to Enable 443 Dual Nationals Scheduled to be Evacuated from the Gaza Strip At the requests of the governments of Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Norway, Philippines, Turkey, Germany and the United States 443 nationals and dual nationals are scheduled to leave the Gaza Strip tomorrow (Friday, 2nd January 2009). The evacuation will take place from Erez Terminal throughout the day and will be escorted by the embassy staff. The Defense ministry has worked closely with the relevant authorities in order to implement the various governments' requests. December 31, 2008: Today 12 Palestinians entered Israel for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. Two of those evacuated were children injured during the military activates, the remaining are chronically sick people, and their escorts, that entered Israel for treatment that is not available within the Gaza Strip. Further more, despite ongoing rocket fire, Israel continues with the extensive humanitarian effort in coordination with the international organizations, Palestinian Authority and various donors. Ninety three trucks, with approximately 2500 tons of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and medication were conveyed through Kerem Shalom cargo terminal. The World Food Programme has informed Israel that they will not be resuming shipment of food commodities in to Gaza due to the fact that their warehouses are at full capacity and will last for approximately two weeks. Since the beginning of operation "Cast Lead" some 6500 tons of aid have been transferred at the request of the international organizations, the Palestinian Authority and various governments. Preparations are underway to facilitate further shipments expected to arrive in the coming days. December 30, 2008: Kerem Shalom crossing, on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, opened its gates on December 30, 2008 for the third consecutive day as defense officials at the Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) are working together with the international organizations in the Gaza Strip as well as various governments in order to assess the humanitarian needs, requirements and make the necessary response. Since the beginning of the operation, and on a daily basis, the international