Nearly 800 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing since July 27, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent, marking one of the largest humanitarian pushes since the border closures earlier this year. The trucks, part of a convoy originally prepared to include 1,000 vehicles carrying approximately 14,500 tons of aid, are delivering critical supplies such as flour, foodstuffs, and medicine to a population facing acute hunger and deprivation. Amal al-Imam, CEO of the Egyptian Red Crescent, confirmed during a press briefing at the Rafah border that the effort remains ongoing, with over 3,000 tons of additional aid still queued for inspection and entry.
The renewed aid flow follows Israel’s easing of restrictions in late July, after months of siege and blockade that had effectively shut down humanitarian access to Gaza. The Rafah crossing, traditionally used for aid and civilian movement, has remained closed to inbound aid since March 1, when Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side during renewed fighting. As a result, Egyptian aid trucks have been rerouted to Kerem Shalom, where Israeli forces inspect cargo before transferring it to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations for distribution inside Gaza. Despite the resumed flow, dozens of trucks remain stalled at the border, and some have been turned back after Israeli authorities rejected their cargo.
North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer, speaking at the Rafah border, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to humanitarian assistance amid political tensions and accusations from opposition groups. “What you have witnessed right now proves that we are still working very hard to send aid to the Gaza Strip and stop starving people from death and killing,” Megawer said. “We are playing our role, whatever the propaganda is.” He also emphasized Egypt’s logistical and security burden, noting that Egypt has contributed nearly 80 to 90 percent of all aid entering Gaza since the war began.
The aid convoy comes amid dire warnings from international organizations about famine conditions in Gaza. The World Health Organization reported that July was the deadliest month for malnutrition-related deaths in 2025, with over 85 percent of such fatalities occurring during that period. UN agencies estimate that at least 600 trucks per day are needed to meet the basic needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, yet only a fraction of that number is currently being allowed through. The situation has led to chaotic scenes at distribution points, with reports of looting, rejected cargo, and civilians risking their lives to access food.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has strongly condemned the war in Gaza, describing it as a “war of starvation, genocide, and liquidation of the Palestinian cause.” He denied accusations that Egypt is complicit in the blockade, stating that over 5,000 aid trucks are currently stalled on Egypt’s side of the Rafah crossing due to Israeli restrictions. Egypt continues to advocate for a permanent ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, positioning itself as a key mediator in ongoing negotiations.