Food Arrives in Gaza After Israel Pauses Some Fighting

Far More Needed to Prevent Starvation, Aid Agencies Warn, Urging Permanent Ceasefire

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GAZA CITY - Truckloads of food reached hungry Gazans on July 28 after Israel promised to open secure aid routes, but humanitarian agencies warned vast amounts more were needed to stave off starvation.

With Gaza's population of more than two million facing famine and malnutrition, Israel bowed to international pressure at the weekend and announced a daily "tactical pause" in fighting in some areas.

"For the first time, I received about five kilos of flour, which I shared with my neighbor," said 37-year-old Jamil Safadi, who shelters with his wife, six children and a sick father in a tent near the Al-Quds hospital in Tel al-Hawa.

Mr. Safadi, who had been up before dawn for two weeks searching for food, said his first success was on July 28. Other Gazans were less fortunate; some complained aid trucks had been stolen or that guards had fired at them near US-backed aid centers.

"I saw injured and dead people. People have no choice but to try daily to get flour. What entered from Egypt was very limited," said 33-year-old Amir al-Rash, still without food and living in a tent.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza on March 2 after talks to extend a six-week ceasefire broke down.

Nothing was allowed into the territory until late May, when a trickle of aid resumed.