Ministry of Defense
Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories
Office of the Spokesman

30th December, 2008

ISRAEL INCREASES HUMANITARIAN EFFORT TO THE GAZA STRIP

Kerem Shalom crossing, on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip,
opened its gates today (Tuesday) 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 community has been able to increase the
amount of goods supplied to Gaza. A total of 179 shipments of humanitarian
supplies including basic food commodities, medication, medical supplies,
donations of governments, blood units and 10 ambulances have been conveyed
to the Gaza Strip.
Beyond the immediate response, various organizations and governments have
requested to send humanitarian aid to the region. Israel is making the
relevant preparations in order to receive and coordinate the shipping of the
goods from the various terminals (Ben Gurion airport and Allenby Bridge) to
the Gaza strip.

Following are details regarding the aid that has been transferred to Gaza
since the beginning of Operation "Cast Lead":

28.12.08 - 23 trucks with basic food commodities, medications and medical
supplies.

29.12.08 - 63 trucks and 5 ambulances transferred from the Palestinian Red
Crescent Society (PRCS) in Ramallah at the request of the ICRC, and 1000
blood units donated by the Gov. of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

30.12.08 - 93 trucks and five ambulances donated by the Government of
Turkey.