The Rafah Crossing, a vital gateway between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has reopened its doors, permitting the entry of the first shipment of humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza. This development comes after a period of closure due to escalating tensions in the region.
The Egyptian television broadcasted live the entry of aid trucks into Gaza through the Rafah Crossing, which had remained closed since the onset of the recent escalation in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas announced that approximately 20 aid trucks carrying medicines, medical equipment, and limited food supplies were scheduled to enter through the crossing. However, the movement emphasized that the “first convoy of aid entering through Rafah is limited and will not significantly alter the catastrophic situation in Gaza.”
This development follows a press conference held by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Rafah Crossing, during which he highlighted certain “conditions” that had hindered the dispatch of aid trucks to Gaza. The precise details of the agreement that allowed the trucks to pass have not been disclosed, raising questions about whether it includes the evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza or the entry of Palestinian residents in Egypt into the territory.
The reopening of Rafah Crossing comes after Hamas released two American hostages, among dozens held by the organization since its attack on Israel earlier this month.
Our correspondent in Rafah reported that two trucks were abruptly loaded with significant quantities of medicines, medical supplies, preserved food, and blankets on Friday night. Dozens of trucks have been waiting in line both at the crossing and in the city of Al-Arish since last Saturday, awaiting clearance to enter the Palestinian side of the crossing.
In recent days, Egyptian authorities have been working to repair the Palestinian side of the crossing, which suffered significant damage due to Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, El-Arish Airport, in close proximity to the crossing, continues to receive humanitarian aid flights from various countries and organizations.
In total, El-Arish has received 3,000 tons of food and medical supplies to assist the people of Gaza during this dire humanitarian crisis.
