Egypt has dispatched its 72nd humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip, delivering a lifeline to residents amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The convoy carried 235,000 food parcels, over 2,000 tons of flour, nearly 1,900 tons of medical and relief supplies, and close to 1,000 tons of fuel to support hospitals, essential services, and vulnerable populations.
The delivery is part of Egypt’s Zad Al-Izza: From Egypt to Gaza initiative, launched on 27 July to provide consistent aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Since the programme’s inception, Egypt has delivered over 130,000 tons of humanitarian assistance, including fresh bread, infant formula, tents, therapeutic medicines, and fuel.
Since the outbreak of conflict on 7 October 2023, Egypt, in collaboration with the UN and international partners, has coordinated over 665,000 tons of aid through the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings, despite the ongoing Israeli blockade. The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) has described the response as “the largest in modern history”, maintaining aid operations for more than 760 consecutive days.
The ERC’s nationwide logistics network, supported by 59 countries, 943 humanitarian flights, and 617 maritime shipments, has also facilitated the entry of 214 ambulances, deployed four field hospitals, and delivered around 91,000 tons of fuel to keep medical and essential facilities operational. In addition, over 86,000 family-link restoration services, cash aid for 2,800 families, 171,000 relief services, and 260,000 medical services have been provided to the displaced, injured, and medically vulnerable.
Meanwhile, regional and international efforts continue to stabilize Gaza, with political negotiations around a lasting ceasefire gaining urgency. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reported that Hamas has expressed readiness for a sustainable ceasefire and urged Israel to reciprocate. Egypt is also consulting on the potential deployment of an international stability force, emphasizing the protection of Palestinian rights, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas, and guaranteed humanitarian access.
Political uncertainty in Israel adds to the complex situation. Ron Dermer, a senior aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resigned amid mounting pressure over the handling of the Gaza conflict and ongoing legal challenges facing Netanyahu, complicating ceasefire and reconstruction efforts.
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