Photo: Egyptian Red Crescent
The convoy is part of the Zad Al-Izza: From Egypt to Gaza initiative, launched by Egypt on 27 July to maintain a lifeline for the Palestinians besieged in Gaza.
The initiative has so far delivered over 130,000 tons of aid to the strip, including food-supply chains, flour, fresh bread, infant formula, tents, medical supplies, therapeutic medicines, relief materials, and fuel.
Since 7 October 2023, Egypt, in collaboration with the UN and its international partners, has delivered over 665,000 tons of aid through the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings despite the ongoing Israeli blockade.
Dr Amal Emam, executive director of the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), described Egypt’s humanitarian response to Gaza as “the largest in modern history,” noting that it has continued for more than 760 consecutive days.
These efforts have been coordinated with 59 countries and supported by 943 humanitarian flights and 617 maritime aid shipments, all managed through a nationwide logistics network led by the ERC.
Moreover, Egypt has facilitated the entry of 214 ambulances to Gaza, supplied around 91,000 tons of fuel to keep hospitals and essential facilities running, and coordinated the deployment of four field hospitals.
Working with the Ministries of Health and Social Solidarity, the ERC has also provided support to evacuees, the injured, and medical cases, including over 86,000 family-link restoration services, cash assistance to 2,800 families, 171,000 relief services, and around 260,000 medical services.
This week, political efforts to stabilize Gaza gained urgency as regional and international actors push for clarity on the next phase of the ceasefire, amid concerns over repeated Israeli violations.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Hamas has indicated readiness for a lasting ceasefire and called on Israel to show the same commitment.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Fidan said Ankara continues to engage all relevant parties to secure a sustainable halt to hostilities and lay the groundwork for political arrangements to prevent renewed violence.
Meanwhile, Egypt confirmed it is consulting on the possible deployment of an international stability force in Gaza.
Cairo emphasized that any future arrangement must protect Palestinian rights, ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas, and guarantee sustained humanitarian access.
Egyptian officials stressed that priority remains implementing the second phase of the ceasefire, including reconstruction, governance arrangements, and the full return of displaced Palestinians.
In Israel, political turbulence added further uncertainty to ceasefire negotiations. Ron Dermer, a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resigned amid mounting pressure over the government’s handling of the Gaza war and the ongoing corruption trial of Netanyahu.
Short link: