Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Despite mounting logistical and political challenges, Egypt has sustained an unprecedented humanitarian effort to support the people of Gaza, emerging as a critical lifeline for a population devastated by months of conflict. In a new video released by Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Gharib Abdel Hafez, the scale and persistence of Cairo’s aid operations were laid bare.
The video details the ongoing humanitarian airlift and land convoys departing from Egypt’s North Sinai region, particularly from Al-Arish Airport and Port, which have become central hubs for the international relief response. Since the start of the crisis, Al-Arish Airport has received more than 1,022 aircraft carrying upwards of 27,247 tons of aid, while Al-Arish Port has welcomed 32 cargo ships delivering approximately 74,779 tons of humanitarian supplies.
These supplies including food, medical equipment, fuel, and emergency vehicles are transferred onto trucks that traverse Egyptian territory en route to various entry points into Gaza. The primary logistical route takes aid-laden trucks from Al-Arish to the Rafah Border Crossing, then through the Al-Awja and Nitzana crossings for Israeli security inspection, in a process that often lasts between 18 and 24 hours.
Final distribution within Gaza is managed by the Palestinian Red Crescent, while aid from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is funneled through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
However, the situation on the ground has grown increasingly complex. Since May 7, 2024, the Israeli military has taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and heavily damaged its infrastructure, effectively cutting off what had been Gaza’s main humanitarian artery. This closure has forced a reliance on Kerem Shalom and aerial aid drops, straining the capacity of alternative channels.
Despite these limitations, Egypt has remained steadfast. Over 70% of the aid that has entered Gaza to date has passed through Egyptian logistical networks. According to the military report, more than 45,125 aid trucks have successfully crossed into Gaza, delivering a staggering 500,000 tons of relief. Of this, 368,000 tons were provided directly by Egypt, while 132,000 tons were contributed by international donors. The shipments have also included 209 ambulances and 81,380 tons of fuel, both essential for medical and civil infrastructure in Gaza, which remains on the verge of collapse.
In addition to land and sea routes, Egypt’s military has conducted 168 airdrop missions from its own airspace, delivering 3,730 tons of urgently needed supplies into Gaza. During a recent nine-day period from July 27 to August 4, 2025, 1,341 trucks passed through the Kerem Shalom crossing, further underscoring Egypt’s role as a logistical anchor in the regional aid effort.
Yet the urgency remains high. More than 5,000 trucks are currently stalled on the Egyptian side of the border, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza. With the Rafah crossing still closed and pressure mounting, Egypt has conducted 25 additional airdrops in recent weeks, delivering 24 tons of supplies to Palestinian civilians in desperate need.
Egyptian hospitals, meanwhile, have received over 18,560 wounded Palestinians for medical treatment since the onset of hostilities, highlighting Cairo’s broader humanitarian commitment beyond material aid.
Despite obstruction, Egypt continues to assert its unwavering support for the Palestinian people. In the face of logistical gridlock, border closures, and limited international political will, Egypt’s effort coordinated between its armed forces, government agencies, and humanitarian partners has become a cornerstone of regional relief. More than 100 non-governmental organizations have echoed these concerns, pointing to Israeli restrictions as a major impediment to effective humanitarian delivery.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, Egypt reiterates its call for unimpeded access for aid, a sustainable ceasefire, and long-term international support for the reconstruction of Gaza. Cairo’s message is clear: solidarity with the Palestinian people is not a matter of convenience, but of principle.
