The 96th convoy of humanitarian aid trucks began entering the Gaza Strip Wednesday through the sub-gate of the Rafah land terminal in North Sinai, heading toward the Karam Abu Salem crossing in preparation for their entry into the enclave.
An official source at the Rafah land crossing in North Sinai said the trucks lined up in the waiting area as part of the “Zad Al-Ezzah… From Egypt to Gaza” convoy.
He noted that the trucks are subjected to inspection by the Israeli occupation authorities at the crossing southeast of the Gaza Strip before being allowed in.
The “Zad Al-Ezzah… From Egypt to Gaza” convoy, launched by the Egyptian Red Crescent, began its journey on July 27, carrying thousands of tons of aid, including food supply chains, flour, infant formula, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, personal care items and tons of fuel.
The Egyptian Red Crescent has served as the national mechanism for coordinating and dispatching aid to the Gaza Strip since the start of the crisis in October 2023.
Israeli occupation forces had closed all crossings connecting to the Gaza Strip on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement and the failure to reach a deal to extend the truce.
The occupation violated the pause with heavy airstrikes on March 18 and resumed ground incursions in various parts of the Strip from which it had previously withdrawn.
Moreover, the occupation authorities blocked the entry of humanitarian aid trucks, fuel supplies, and shelter materials for displaced civilians whose homes were destroyed during the war on Gaza.
They also refused to allow heavy machinery needed for debris removal and reconstruction into the enclave.
Aid deliveries resumed in May under a mechanism implemented by the occupation authorities and a US security company, a mechanism rejected by UNRWA for contradicting established international procedures.
Mediators, namely Egypt, Qatar and the United States, continued efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of prisoners and detainees.
Those efforts culminated in the early hours of October 9, 2025, with an agreement between Hamas and Israel on implementing the first phase of a ceasefire deal under a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan was reached in Sharm El Sheikh through Egyptian, US and Qatari mediation, with Turkish support.
