Over 1,100 Humanitarian Aid Trucks Delivered to Gaza Through Rafah Crossing
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Synopsis
A total of 1,114 trucks have successfully transported humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing since its reopening on Sunday. The aid includes essentials like food, clothing, and medical supplies, aimed at assisting residents during the ongoing conflict and severe winter conditions.
Key Takeaways
- 1,114 trucks of aid dispatched to Gaza.
- First convoy of 174 trucks sent on the fourth day of truce.
- Rafah crossing is a critical entry point for aid.
- Egypt is repairing roads to facilitate aid delivery.
- Ceasefire agreement spans 42 days.
Cairo, Jan 22 (NationPress) A total of 1,114 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have been dispatched to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing since its reopening on Sunday, as reported by Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, a convoy consisting of 174 trucks, which included 14 trucks transporting fuel, entered the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing, marking the fourth day of a truce between Israel and Hamas.
The Rafah crossing serves as a crucial gateway for international aid directed towards Gaza. Since May 2024, Israel has maintained control over the Palestinian side of the crossing and reopened it under the ceasefire agreement.
In addition, an Egyptian security official and a representative from the Egyptian Red Crescent informed Xinhua news agency that Egypt has dispatched numerous heavy machinery to repair the roads around the crossing and those leading to nearby Palestinian cities, facilitating the delivery of aid trucks and the reception of injured Palestinians from Gaza.
On Sunday, a lengthy procession of aid trucks wound its way toward the heavily-guarded Rafah crossing just hours after the ceasefire agreement took effect.
These trucks, loaded with food, clothing, medical supplies, tents, mobile restrooms, and various relief items, had been stationed in several cities within Egypt's North Sinai Governorate, particularly Arish, Sheikh Zuweid, and Rafah, some waiting for months to assist Palestinians in need.
“I have delivered a significant amount of aid to the Gaza Strip since the conflict began in October 2023, but the entry of aid became nearly impossible due to severe Israeli policies,” shared 65-year-old truck driver Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed.
“Today, I am delighted not only because I can provide this aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip, but also because the people of Gaza will finally be able to sleep without fear for the first time in over a year since the ceasefire commenced this morning,” he expressed to Xinhua.
Ibrahim noted that his truck was loaded with clothing and blankets, emphasizing that “the residents of the Strip are in dire need of these items due to the severe winter cold while they are living in tents.”
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, commencing its initial phase over 42 days, was finalized on Wednesday through the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. It began to take effect on Sunday.
