ROME: The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said Wednesday it had delivered food into war-torn Gaza through the Israeli Kerem Shalom border crossing in the first direct aid convoy from Jordan.

The arrival of the 46-truck convoy, carrying more than 750 tonnes of goods, came after ‘weeks of coordination with all parties’, the Rome-based organisation said.

“This crucial first step could pave the way for a more sustainable aid corridor through Jordan and allow for the delivery of more aid at scale,” it said.

The WFP said it had been mobilising resources from around the region.

“Delivering food from Jordan, to Gaza through Kerem Shalom crossing, will increase the volume and speed of food reaching the Gaza Strip, as millions face the risk of starvation,” it said.

Israel last Friday approved the temporary delivery of aid into Gaza via its Kerem Shalom border crossing, opening a new route for supplies after weeks of pressure.

“Establishing a corridor through Jordan will increase the flow of aid and remove some of the pressure and congestion we are currently facing,” said Samer AbdelJaber, WFP representative in the Palestinian territories.

“This will allow us to secure more supplies and have more trucks on the road.”

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2023