Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid await permission on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip, to drive toward the besieged Palestinians territory. AFP
The convoy — part of the Zad Al-Ezza: From Egypt to Gaza initiative launched by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on 27 July — carried hundreds of tonnes of food baskets, flour, infant formula, and personal care items, coordinated by the ERC and state institutions.
The dispatch comes as part of Egypt's ongoing relief efforts aimed at stemming the unfolding famine caused by Israel's genocidal war and mass starvation campaign in Gaza.
On Tuesday, the 13th convoy delivered thousands of tonnes of food, medical equipment, hospital beds, and fuel.
The 12th and 11th convoys, dispatched earlier this week, included over 5,000 tonnes of food and medical supplies as well as diesel tankers and tens of thousands of loaves of bread prepared by the ERC.
Aid has been entering the strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing through the Karm Abu Salem crossing.
Egyptian officials say Israeli endless inspections and restrictions have caused severe delays, leaving large numbers of trucks backed up on the Egyptian side of Rafah.
On Monday, members of The Elders, a peace advocacy group, visited ERC warehouses in Arish, North Sinai, where they saw large quantities of food and medicine awaiting clearance.
They said the “Israeli killing and starving of Gaza must end now,” after hearing from drivers whose trucks had been turned back multiple times without explanation.
ERC executive director Amal Imam said on 6 August that Egypt has sent 36,000 trucks carrying more than 500,000 tonnes of aid since the war began — 70 percent humanitarian supplies and 30 percent relief and medical goods.
The Egyptian Armed Forces have also conducted multiple airdrops to reach areas of Gaza cut off from distribution.
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