Israel renewed its transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday despite continued rocket and mortar fire from the coastal strip and rising expectations of a large-scale Israeli military offensive. According to the AP, the Israeli military said some 90 trucks will deliver medicine, fuel, cooking gas and other vital goods into Gaza Strip. The shipment includes a large donation of goods from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's wife as well as more than 105,000 gallons of fuel and 200 tons of natural gas, the military said.
Israel's Defense Ministry agreed to open its cargo crossings into Gaza as part of its policy of avoiding a humanitarian crisis there. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the decision came after consultations with defense officials as well as calls from the international community.
The army said more than 10 rockets and mortars were fired toward Israel early Friday. One home was struck but no injuries were reported.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni was in Cairo on Thursday for meetings with Egyptian president Husni Mubarak, who urged Israel to exercise restraint in its response to the rocket fire.
