Egypt Daily News – Egyptian aid convoys have begun entering the Gaza Strip following the start of a humanitarian pause in fighting, offering a vital lifeline to civilians facing severe shortages after months of conflict and blockade.
On Sunday, Egyptian state media confirmed the arrival of the first trucks from the “Zad Al-Ezza – From Egypt to Gaza” convoy, organized by the Egyptian Red Crescent. The convoy includes over 100 trucks carrying more than 1,200 tons of humanitarian supplies, primarily food items. Among the shipment are 840 tons of flour and 450 tons of various other essential goods.
The aid entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing before proceeding to Kerem Shalom, where trucks were inspected by Israeli forces. The delivery comes amid a declared “tactical pause” by the Israeli military in parts of Gaza to allow humanitarian operations to resume.
Footage broadcast by Egyptian and Arab news networks showed long lines of trucks at the border, a visual sign of the intensified regional effort to support Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. Aid organizations and Egyptian officials have emphasized that the shipments are part of a broader commitment to easing the humanitarian toll of the war.
The Israeli army, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the resumption of air-dropped aid into northern Gaza. Initial drops reportedly included seven packages of flour, sugar, and canned goods, coordinated with international partners. The army added that it has designated specific humanitarian corridors for aid convoys but did not provide details on their location or duration of use.
Israel stressed that the responsibility for distributing aid inside Gaza rests with the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies. It called on those organizations to ensure the aid reaches civilians and does not fall into the hands of militant groups.
The renewed aid deliveries follow growing international pressure on Israel, including from key allies, over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Dozens of Palestinians have reportedly died from hunger or while attempting to access food during chaotic distributions in recent weeks.
Although the current ceasefire and aid flow have brought some relief, the situation remains precarious. Humanitarian agencies continue to warn of famine-like conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, and have urged the opening of additional entry points and sustained access for aid.
As efforts continue on multiple fronts, Sunday’s convoy represents not only a critical step in addressing Gaza’s immediate needs, but also a reminder of the urgency for a more stable and long-term humanitarian solution.
