At least seven fuel trucks and aid convoys entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Friday, November 24, 2023, signaling the apparent initiation of a truce between Israel and Hamas. The truce allowed for the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies, including fuel and cooking gas, approved by the Israeli government.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the destruction of tunnels near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital area and completed operational preparations ahead of the agreed-upon truce. The IDF statement mentioned ongoing strikes on targets in the lead-up to the truce, without specifying the number of attacks.
Thailand welcomed the truce but expressed concern for its citizens held by militants in Gaza, including over 200 people abducted in October. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hoped for the prompt release of the remaining hostages, with a commitment from mediators to free 50 individuals, mostly women and children, during a four-day humanitarian pause.
In a precautionary move, the Israeli military instructed people in southern Gaza not to move north, restricting travel from north to south to a single road. Flyers were reportedly dropped over parts of the Gaza Strip with this notice.