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Second Aid Convoy Enters Gaza

Egyptian Red Crescent members and volunteers gather next to a truck carrying humanitarian aid as it drives through the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer
Egyptian Red Crescent members and volunteers gather next to a truck carrying humanitarian aid as it drives through the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer
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Second Aid Convoy Enters Gaza

Egyptian Red Crescent members and volunteers gather next to a truck carrying humanitarian aid as it drives through the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer
Egyptian Red Crescent members and volunteers gather next to a truck carrying humanitarian aid as it drives through the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt October 22, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

A convoy of 19 trucks bringing aid to besieged Palestinians crossed into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on Sunday, Egypt’s state-run media reported.

A total of around 19 trucks in the convoy carrying medical and food supplies had been inspected by UNRWA, the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, sources said.

The delivery would be the second shipment into the territory in the past two days.

Residents of Gaza have been under an Israeli blockade that cut off food, water, medicine and electricity since Hamas rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7.

The more than 2 million residents of the territory have been struggling under Israeli airstrikes and with dwindling resources since then.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said it will run out of fuel in Gaza in three days.

“Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals and bakeries. Without fuel, aid will not reach many civilians in desperate need. Without fuel, there will be no humanitarian assistance,” Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner General, said in a statement Sunday.

A first delivery of aid that was allowed to cross into Gaza from Egypt on Saturday did not include any fuel.

"Without fuel, we will fail the people of Gaza whose needs are growing by the hour, under our watch. This cannot and should not happen,” Lazzarini said.

He called on “all parties and those with influence” to allow fuel into Gaza immediately, while ensuring that it is only used for humanitarian purposes.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said some of the water pipelines in Gaza have been restored, but “there are a couple of other pipelines” that Israel should restore.

He told NBC News in an interview that the US has concern about the spread of disease caused by the consumption of dirty water.

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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for adopting a policy of neutrality as an effective solution to Lebanon’s current political, social and sectarian crises.

“Neutrality is the foundation of Lebanon's National Pact and not a substitute for it,” the Patriarch said in his Sunday sermon.

Al-Rahi praised President Joseph Aoun's oath and spoke about the trust people have in Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

“The Lebanese people feel reassured when they listen to the principles that President Aoun intends to follow, in addition to the promises made by world leaders to support Lebanon and help it achieve economic, social and financial growth,” al-Rahi said.

He added that citizens have also placed their trust in the PM-designate, expressing hope for the swift formation of a government in collaboration with the President.

The Patriarch commended Aoun for his pledge to adopt positive neutrality in his inaugural speech, noting that this promise has provided much-needed comfort to many citizens.

He also highlighted the President’s efforts to align neutrality with economic reforms, such as promoting high-quality exports, attracting tourism, and driving economic recovery.

According to al-Rahi, these initiatives underscore that neutrality not only strengthens national unity but also creates the foundation for stability, growth, and prosperity.

Also, the Patriarch reiterated that Lebanon’s identity is not defined by dominance but by its unique role as a beacon of freedom and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

For Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a bridge between cultures and religions, he affirmed, it must adopt an active and positive stance of neutrality.

“Positive neutrality is a political doctrine that avoids alignment with conflicting regional or international blocs while remaining committed to just causes globally, such as the right of peoples to independence,” al-Rahi said.

He further emphasized that neutrality is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s National Pact and offers the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing political, social, and sectarian crises.

Aoun's election and the designation of a new premier have increased optimism for Lebanon’s future.

Salam will likely present this week his government lineup to Aoun, who must sign the formation decree. Parliament will then convene to issue a vote of confidence for the new government.