ROME - A convoy of trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has entered Libya and is due to arrive in the eastern port city of Benghazi today. WFP is mobilising food for the hungry as part of a US$39.2 million emergency operation designed to provide food assistance to more than one million people (1,060,000) in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia over a three-month period.

A convoy of trucks carrying 70 metric tons of high-energy, fortified date bars crossed the Egyptian border last night on its way to Benghazi. This will be the first delivery of food assistance from a UN agency to enter the divided country.

This mission is welcome news given reports that Pro-Gaddafi forces are pressing a counter-offensive against rebels who have seized towns along the Mediterranean coastal road and across the east, using artillery, tanks and warplanes.

The United Nations has demanded an end to “indiscriminate” attacks on civilians and warned Tripoli anyone who violates international law will be brought to account.