SUFA CROSSING, Gaza-Israel border,- Dozens of Palestinian lorry drivers waited to load their goods in the scorching sun on Sunday as Israel said it had started to ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip. The decision to increase the amount of humanitarian goods allowed into the besieged territory came after an Egyptian-mediated truce between Israel and the Islamist Hamas movement held for a fourth day. More than 50 empty trucks lined the road on the Gaza side of the Sufa crossing as Israeli hauliers unloaded goods on the other side. Many of the drivers said they had been waiting for more than 24 hours. "We are told there is a ceasefire and the blockade will be lifted, but so far nothing," said fruit trader Hani Abu Shanab, 40, who sought refuge from the relentless sun under his truck, where he played backgammon with a friend. Israeli authorities had pledged to gradually ease the restrictions from Sunday as part of the truce with Hamas, which seized power in Gaza a year ago. They said that during the day a total of 90 trucks laden with goods would pass through the Sufa crossing on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip. Israeli trucks drive up to the border and unload the goods in an open area, leaving them under the sweltering summer sun. Once they leave, the Gaza truckers are then allowed to enter the crossing to pick up their merchandise. Abu Shanab's family is no exception - three of his sons will be unable to marry any time soon "because they don't have work or materials to build their own place," he said. "They all still sleep in one room." Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy proclaimed his friendship for Israel at the start of a three-day visit on Sunday but also said Israeli security depended on the creation of a Palestinian state. "I have always been Israel's friend," Sarkozy said upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport outside Tel Aviv. The visit is the first to Israel by a French president in almost 12 years. "I am more convinced than ever that the security of Israel will only be truly guaranteed with the birth of a second state, a Palestinian state," said Sarkozy, whose visit will also take him to the occupied West Bank. He expressed certainty that a peace accord between Israel and the Palestinians can be reached in the near future. "This agreement would enable the two peoples to live in security." Sarkozy and his wife - supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy - were greeted by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before reviewing a guard of honour.Olmert said Sarkozy's visit was proof of the French president's support for the Jewish people and Israel. "In all our talks I have found in you deep understanding for Israel's security needs and the challenges it has to face," said Olmert. At his meeting with Peres, Sarkozy called for Israel to take "risks for peace." "The risks for peace, they must be taken right away. Waiting for tomorrow is even more risky ... There's been too much suffering in this region. What's the point in waiting years and years, for deaths, deaths and more deaths?" he said.