Al-Qahera News reported that fuel and gas convoys were heading from Rafah toward the Karm Abu Salem and Al-Ouja crossings, where Israeli authorities inspect and clear shipments before allowing them into Gaza.
These inspections determine “which trucks are allowed through and which are turned back,” the report said.
The resumption of the entry of aid to famine-stricken Gaza comes per the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was brokered by Egypt, the US, Qatar, and Turkey, and based on the Trump 20-point plan to end the war.
The move came after Israel announced it would allow full-scale humanitarian access and lift restrictions per the ceasefire deal after the return of the remains of four Israeli captives.
Rafah reopening?
On Wednesday, conflicting reports emerged about whether the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza would reopen for aid deliveries.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Israel's political echelon had approved reopening the southern Rafah gate, allowing 600 trucks of food, medical supplies, fuel, and gas to enter Gaza under UN supervision.
The report followed Hamas’ handover of four more Israeli captive remains under the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday.
According to KAN, the decision signalled a significant easing of restrictions after tensions over delayed captive handovers, and aid convoys began lining up on the Egyptian side in preparation.
However, Israeli security officials gave contradictory statements, telling Hebrew media that “the Rafah crossing will not open today” due to logistical and security issues.
A senior source said it was “unclear when it will reopen,” adding that clearance teams must assess the area before operations can resume, possibly keeping the crossing closed until Thursday.
For now, officials confirmed that 600 aid trucks were being redirected through the Karm Abu Salem crossing, which remains under Israeli inspection control.
The mixed signals highlighted the fragile nature of coordination after the ceasefire, even as Egyptian and UN officials pushed for consistent and predictable access to Gaza.
Earlier, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said the European Union would resume its civilian monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing on Wednesday, calling it an important step to support the ceasefire and help stabilize conditions inside Gaza.
Health emergency
Mohamed Abu Afash, director of the Medical Relief Society in Gaza, told Al-Qahera News that “a wave of optimism is spreading across the strip” as efforts begin to address the severe humanitarian and health crisis.
“The evacuation of patients who urgently need treatment has become a top priority,” Abu Afash said.
“Many have suffered for months, some have died, and others’ conditions have worsened. This issue must be resolved immediately so we can provide the best possible care despite our limited resources,” he added.
He said eight trucks loaded with medical equipment had recently entered Gaza through the World Health Organization (WHO), carrying medicines, intensive care units, and infant incubators.
“It’s a limited amount, but it saved many lives,” he stated. “You can’t rebuild a shattered health system in days, but these shipments were a lifeline.”
Abu Afash praised Egypt’s central role and the coordination between the WHO, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and international partners, stressing that the fast delivery of medical supplies could still prevent further disaster.
Cost of reconstruction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that rebuilding Gaza will cost around $70 billion.
Jaco Cilliers, the UNDP representative in Palestine, told reporters on Tuesday that the level of destruction is “horrific.”
“The resilience of Palestinians in Gaza is unbelievable. Their determination to rebuild is extremely high. Respect for the ceasefire and focus on long-term recovery and stability are essential,” he said.
Cilliers added that the UNDP has already removed about 81,000 tons of rubble, equal to roughly 3,100 truckloads, and that a joint assessment by the UN, EU, and World Bank estimated Gaza’s total reconstruction needs at $70 billion, including $20 billion over the next three years.
He said that around 55 million tons of debris remain to be cleared across the territory.
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