Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority el-Shahat Ghatouri said that Egypt’s leadership will guarantee the continuous and fast flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza through the border Rafah crossing and el-Arish International Airport which the state designated to receive aid shipments coming from abroad.
Ghatouri made his statement during a regional seminar held by the World Customs Organisation in co-operation with the Egyptian Customs Authority on customs clearance for aid shipments flowing into Gaza.
He said that Minster of Finance Mohamed Maait is following up efforts for the immediate release of aid shipments from Rafah Crossing in co-operation with the Egyptian Red Crescent – with full commitment to offering all adequate customs facilities to comply with the war status witnessed in Gaza.
Ghatouri added that Egypt has delivered thousands of tons of aidto Gaza through the joint efforts of the Egyptian Red Crescent and the National Alliance for Civil Development Work.
He pointed out that there is a permanent operations room at the Customs Authority working around the clock to remove any obstacles that block the flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
Taking into consideration the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, customs restrictions are not imposed on aid shipments, Ghatouri said, adding that this reflects the keenness of the Egyptian leadership on immediate response to humanitarian disasters taking place in Gaza.
He asserted that the authority is keen on facilitating customs measures as much as possible, as aid shipments entering Rafah crossing are exempted from taxes and customs duties.
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