WFP reports smoother movement of convoys through Kerem Shalom, says famine can be held off

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Author: HANNAH SARISOHN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

This week, two WFP convoys crossed into Gaza from Ashdod Port and came in through the Kerem Shalom crossing

The first convoy on Tuesday had eight trucks followed by a second convoy on Wednesday with seven trucks, delivering a total of 374 metric tons of wheat flour, Dujarric said.

Fourteen additional trucks were loaded on Thursday, the WFP said.

Dujarric said as part of the emergency response, the agency has shipped some 2,700 metric tons of wheat flour to Ashdod Port.

"The World Food Programme says the sustained use of that port as well as smoother movements of convoys through Kerem Shalom into Gaza will notably reduce the waiting time for cargo to enter the Gaza Strip," Dujarric said.

The WFP also reported this week that three of its convoys – 25 trucks in total – crossed into northern Gaza via the Erez crossing for the first time.

The convoys, which move Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, brought in more than 400 metric tons of food and wheat flour that will help nearly 80,000 people, the WFP spokesman said.

Tensions in Northern Israel

Dujarric also provided an update from UN staff in southern Lebanon, who reported tensions are high and the situation remains of "deep concern."

He said exchanges of fire continue along the blue line involving repeated breaches of the cessation of hostilities and in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

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