Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Red Crescent
Launched early in the day, the convoy included dozens of trucks carrying urgent aid to the Gaza Strip as part of Egypt’s relentless efforts to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The shipment carried food baskets, flour, relief supplies, and fuel for hospitals and essential facilities in Gaza, as well as winter items such as blankets, mattresses, plastic sheeting, and tents for displaced people.
At the same time, the ERC said it continues to facilitate the entry and transit of wounded and sick Palestinians and their companions, receiving the 31st group as part of ongoing medical evacuation efforts.
Its teams has also distributed hot meals, warm clothing, personal care items, and “return kits” to Palestinians returning to Gaza.
The ERC has maintained operations at the Rafah border crossing since the start of the war, keeping logistics hubs on alert and coordinating aid deliveries that have exceeded 800,000 tons, with support from more than 65,000 volunteers.
The convoy comes as international civil society groups renew efforts to challenge Israel’s long-standing blockade on Gaza and draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
Around 20 boats set sail from the southern French port of Marseille on Saturday to join what organizers describe as the largest international flotilla so far, set to depart on 12 April to Gaza.
The vessels, mostly small sailboats, left to the applause of about 1,000 supporters, according to AFP, as part of a broader effort involving the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and partner groups.
The Marseille group is expected to join additional boats departing from Barcelona, with all vessels planning to meet before heading towards Gaza later in April.
A stop in southern Italy is planned for non-violence training before the final leg.
The FFC, a network of civil society groups active since 2010, says its missions are peaceful and aim to deliver symbolic aid while highlighting the impact of the blockade.
Previous flotillas, however, have been intercepted by Israeli forces, with participants detained and deported.
In late 2025, a flotilla of around 50 boats carrying international activists was boarded by the Israeli navy, according to Amnesty International, prompting renewed calls for accountability over alleged abuses against detainees.
The coalition has since urged an independent international investigation into reported violations during those incidents.
Organizers say the latest initiative aims to mobilize global public opinion and refocus attention on Gaza amid other global crises, reflecting continued grassroots support despite the significant political and security risks surrounding such missions.
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