An aid convoy arrived in the Gaza Strip overland from Egypt on Thursday to a warm welcome from the territory's Islamic militant Hamas rulers.
The convoy was organized by 'Viva Palestina,' headed by former British member of parliament George Galloway. Egypt banned Galloway from accompanying the convoy because of previous clashes with Egyptian security.
Hamas official Ahmed Youssef said the aid is worth about $5 million and includes 137 used vehicles for ambulances and transport.
He welcomed the convoy as it arrived in Gaza, and thanked Egypt for allowing it through.
Israel significantly eased its blockade of Gaza after an outcry over its raid on a Turkish flotilla on May 31.
Israel says there is no need for aid shipments, and has branded them propaganda.