In the absence of new supplies, the head of the Palestinian Red Crescent warned on Thursday that its operations in Gaza could cease within a few days. Its ambulance fleet is also only operating at a third capacity due to fuel shortages.

Palestinian officials say that while some flour and other aid has begun to reach Gaza's most vulnerable regions after Israel allowed some trucks through on Thursday, it is not enough to compensate for the shortages caused by a 11-week Israeli ban.

Israel announced that it allowed in 100 trucks carrying medical and baby food on Wednesday. This comes two days after Israel announced its first relaxation of its blockade in response to mounting international pressure, amid warnings about starvation in Gaza.

Younis Al Khatib, President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Geneva, responded to reporters by saying: "It is a question of time." It could take days.

"We're running out of gas." He added that the capacity of ambulances they work with is now one third.

The PRCS, which is a part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCRS), provides medical services to the Gaza Strip and Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Al-Khatib warned of the danger of mob violence, criticising the amount of aid Israel allowed to Gaza up until now.

"I believe that's an invitation to kill." "These people are starving," said he.

Israel has repeatedly defended the restrictions it imposes on food aid to Gaza, claiming that there is plenty of food in the enclave and denying allegations that starvation occurs.

He joined the chorus of critics of an American-backed organization that plans to begin work in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a brand new aid distribution model. "It is not a subject for discussion." He said, "No, no, and no."

The world shouldn't give up the system we know.

The U.S. funded Gaza Humanitarian Foundation plans to work with private U.S. logistics and security firms to distribute aid to 300,000. Distribution hubs will be located in Gaza's southern region. Gaza has a total population of 2.3 million people, the majority of whom are displaced.

(source: Reuters)