IDF troops will for the first time train in providing humanitarian services to civilians under battlefield conditions. The training is taking place due to the heavy criticism Israel absorbed during last year's Operation Cast Lead battles in Gaza.
In a statement, the IDF said a total of 550 trucks, carrying 13,144 tons of humanitarian aid, were transferred into the Gaza Strip from Israel via the various border crossings. 1,215,602 liters of diesel fuel and 883 tons of cooking gas also crossed into Gaza. In addition, nine truckloads of carnations were exported from the Gaza Strip to Europe.