(JNS) Six aid trucks directly entered the northern Gaza Strip early Tuesday, March 12 in a pilot program meant to prevent the Hamas terrorist group from hijacking the supplies, the Israeli army said.

“By government directives, six humanitarian aid trucks containing aid from the World Food [Program] entered the northern Gaza Strip via the ’96th gate’ on the security fence last night [Tuesday],” the IDF announced, adding that a security check was first carried out at the Kerem Shalom crossing to the south.

The results of the program will be presented to government officials.

On Dec. 15, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing for the transfer of aid to the Strip after intense U.S. and international pressure.

Hamas has been stealing up to 60% of the aid entering the Gaza Strip.

The War Cabinet decided in late February to start transferring humanitarian supplies directly to the northern Gaza Strip to bypass the Hamas terrorist group.