International Relations
Humanitarian Aid Delays at Rafah Border Crossing
In Al-Arish, Egypt, numerous trucks are currently stationed, awaiting clearance to transport essential humanitarian supplies through the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip. Despite prior assurances from Israel to permit 600 aid trucks daily, fewer than 100 have successfully crossed so far.
According to aid truck driver Fathy Fahmy, drivers endure prolonged waits in the desert, transporting a variety of goods, including clothing, blankets, and food. Fahmy states, “We have been working like this in Al-Arish since the war started.”
Drivers report that delays in the crossing have led to significant spoilage of food aid. Mohamed Mostafa, another driver, mentions that deliveries are often turned back multiple times before being allowed entry, sometimes after intervention from the Red Crescent. The inspection processes are described as lengthy, with some deliveries taking months to complete.
On Wed, the International Court of Justice mandated that Israel collaborate with United Nations agencies to ensure the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been unable to deliver its supplies since March, although it continues to operate health centers, mobile medical teams, sanitation services, and educational programs within Gaza. The agency currently has 6,000 trucks of supplies pending entry.
Israeli authorities, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and certain political factions, have expressed concerns regarding the agency’s operations, citing potential infiltration by Hamas.
