First Batch of Humanitarian Aid Reaches Gaza As Israel Steps Up Attacks

Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza, just as the first humanitarian aid trucks crossed into the besieged Palestinian enclave from Egypt. Weeks of heavy bombing and the total cut-off of food, water and fuel, has created what the UN calls a catastrosphic situation for the two-million plus people who live in Gaza. Dozens of trucks entered through the Rafah crossing, which Israel had blocked for weeks, saying it needed assurances Hamas wouldn't seize the aid. A Turkish presidential plane carrying health professionals along with medicine and other supplies also arrived in Cairo over the weekend, where it will wait before entering Gaza. The death toll from Israeli air strikes passed 5,000 this week, with more than half of those killed being women and children. Meanwhile, an Israeli missile targeted Damascus and Aleppo international airports killing two people, raising fears that the war could further widen to neighbouring countries. Israel also continues to exchange fire with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, raising tensions along their border. Guests: Hassan Ben Imran Board Member at Law for Palestine Murat Aslan Associate Professor at Hasan Kalyoncu University