Aid effort set to begin in Falluja
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| ON CNN TV |
 Watch for CNN correspondents' frequent updates on the situation on the ground: live reports from the U.S.-Iraqi offensive in Falluja.
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 VIDEO |
 U.S. forces gain control of most of Falluja.
 Aid workers and doctors are unable to work in Falluja.
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FALLUJA, Iraq (CNN) -- Humanitarian efforts are poised to begin in Falluja as U.S. and Iraqi forces battle what some officials say are the last remnants of the insurgency in the western Iraqi city.
Residents are starting to emerge from their homes in the northeast and there are plans to bring in food and water, said Col. Craig Tucker, commander of U.S. 7th Regimental Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division.
An Iraqi Red Crescent convoy rolled into Falluja on Saturday as far as the general hospital on the city's western outskirts, but U.S. troops stopped the trucks and no supplies were distributed.
Ferdoos al-Ubadi, an Iraqi Red Crescent spokeswoman, told CNN on Saturday night that the aid workers will remain at the hospital and will negotiate with authorities to do their work.
The city's general hospital is open and ready to treat injured civilians after being occupied by Iraqi commandos during the weeklong offensive.
One Iraqi official said at least 14 civilians in the city have been wounded.
A government convoy of medical equipment left Baghdad on Saturday, carrying 15 tons destined for the hospital, Iraq's health minister said.
Also, 20 civilian ambulances are at the city's edge, the minister said.
Before fighting first erupted in Falluja months ago, the city was populated by 250,000 to 300,000 people. (Falluja map)
Eight humanitarian groups in Iraq, including the Japan International Volunteer Center and the Mennonite Central Committee, have signed a letter expressing alarm for the safety of civilians in Falluja and other areas of Sunni-dominated Anbar province.
The groups urge the international community to develop conditions making it possible to deliver humanitarian aid and that a "humanitarian corridor should be created immediately to serve as an exit route for civilians trapped in the conflict zone."
"Aid workers on the ground estimate that more then 200,000 people have fled Falluja, seeking shelter and protection in neighboring areas.
"Those displaced communities lack drinkable water and food; the available shelters (private or public buildings) are overcrowded.
"Health facilities are facing difficulties for lack of personnel and shortage of drugs," the letter said.
CNN's Jane Arraf, Nic Robertson, Cal Perry, Faris Qasira, Mohammed Tawfeeq and Barbara Starr contributed to this report.
