BEIRUT (AP) A convoy of 11 trucks from a United Nations agency crossed into northern Syria from Turkey on Tuesday, just hours after the U.N. and Syrian government reached an agreement to temporarily authorize two new border crossings into the rebel enclave, devastated by the regions deadly earthquake.

Syrian officials in Damascus said the decision, seven days after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed thousands, shows their commitment to supporting victims on both sides of the front line.

The increased flow of help was desperately needed. But some critics say the deal is also a political victory for embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad , who permitted the U.N. to open new crossings and gave the impression that he ultimately called the shots on territory under opposition forces.

The U.N. is normally authorized to deliver aid from Turkey to northwest Syria an area already devastated by 12 years of conflict through only one border crossing, Bab al-Hawa. Renewing that authorization is a regular battle at the Security Council, where Assads ally, Russia, has advocated for all aid to be routed through Damascus.

The delay in opening new crossings stalled immediate relief and search and rescue efforts when the time for effective search and rescue is tragically running out, the International Rescue Committee said in statement.