Egypt Daily News – Amid the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, certain Israeli media outlets and commentators have attempted to cast doubt on Egypt’s humanitarian role by falsely claiming that Egypt is complicit in the siege of Gaza through the closure of the Rafah border crossing.
However, Hebrew-language reports including from Israel Hayom, have made it clear that the Rafah crossing is closed only from the Palestinian side, which is currently under Israeli military control. These reports clarify that Egypt has kept its side of the crossing open and has refused to coordinate with Israeli forces in managing the crossing, instead insisting that it be operated by a legitimate Palestinian authority.
Since the beginning of the war, Egypt has played a central role in delivering humanitarian aid. During a two-month ceasefire in January, Cairo facilitated the entry of more than 25,000 trucks carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies into Gaza. That flow was significantly reduced after Israel closed all land crossings into the Strip, including the Palestinian side of Rafah.
Despite international pressure, Israel has continued to restrict access for aid convoys. On Thursday, a small batch of humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, following mounting global criticism over the risk of widespread famine. The convoy included basic food supplies and urgent medical equipment, though relief organizations described the shipment as symbolic and insufficient to meet the soaring needs of Gaza’s population.
Aid groups have emphasized that daily, large-scale deliveries are vital to saving lives. A joint statement by humanitarian organizations called the limited entry a “step forward,” but warned that much more is required immediately to avert catastrophe.
Meanwhile, Israel Hayom reported that Hamas has placed the reopening of the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side among its key demands in ceasefire negotiations, highlighting its strategic and humanitarian importance. The group has also demanded the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from civilian areas during the proposed 60-day ceasefire, the creation of an 800-meter buffer zone along the border, and the reopening of Salah al-Din Road, a major north-south artery in Gaza.
In addition, Hamas has reportedly objected to the continued operation of the American-backed GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Fund), insisting that all aid be channeled exclusively through UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations.
As the humanitarian toll mounts and famine looms, Egypt continues to call for the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and the lifting of all siege measures, reaffirming its stance that Gaza’s needs must be met through international cooperation, not political leverage.
