First Russian humanitarian aid arrives in Gaza

Russian trucks carrying humanitarian aid have arrived in the Gaza Strip, Russia's envoy to the Palestinian National Authority, Sergei Kozlov, said on Tuesday.

The medicines, food, and tents will be transferred to the UN mission in Gaza. Part of the aid cargo was donated by Jordanian charity organizations.

"This is the Russian aid to the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people," Kozlov said. "This part of it has already reached Gaza and will be transferred to its residents."

Israel and Egypt sealed Gaza's borders last summer after the radical Islamic group Hamas seized power in the enclave. The blockade has led to a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"We would like to reiterate that aid will continue in the future," Kozlov said.

This is the first Russian aid to reach the Gaza Strip. Last year, Russian humanitarian aid was delivered to the West Bank, controlled by the pro-presidential group Fatah.