Over 100 Relief Trucks Await Entry into Gaza at Rafah Crossing

More than 100 relief trucks arrived at the Rafah crossing early Tuesday morning, waiting for permission to enter Gaza. It was reported that these relief trucks will be allowed to enter through the Rafah crossing at 9 AM. The Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed that relief convoys have set off from the city of Al-Arish towards the Rafah crossing. Hundreds of foreign nationals from various countries, as well as Palestinians with dual citizenship, have gathered at the Rafah border gate in southern Gaza since the early hours of Monday morning, hoping to be allowed to cross into the Palestinian side of the crossing. White House spokesperson John Kirby stated that White House officials hope the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt can be opened for a few hours on Monday to allow some individuals to leave the enclave before the expected Israeli ground invasion. Reports about the opening of the Rafah crossing have been conflicting after a ceasefire was announced for 5 hours in southern Gaza for the evacuation of foreigners and the entry of aid. The U.S. embassy in Israel mentioned on Monday that media reports indicate the Rafah crossing will open at 9 AM local time, but did not clarify whether travelers would be allowed to pass through or the duration of the opening. They added in a statement that they expect the situation at the Rafah crossing to remain "volatile and unpredictable." The U.S. embassy advised its citizens in Gaza to approach the Rafah crossing if they found it safe, noting that it may remain open for a limited time.