By Esther Ososanya
Nearly 800 Egyptian aid trucks have been inspected and sent into Gaza through Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing since July 27, the Egyptian Red Crescent said on Wednesday, as efforts intensify to ease a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The development follows Israel’s decision to partially lift its months-long blockade late last month, allowing a limited supply of humanitarian relief into the besieged enclave.
“The number that was originally prepared was approximately 1,000 trucks carrying around 14,500 tonnes,” said Amal al-Imam, CEO of the Egyptian Red Crescent, during a press briefing at the Rafah border. “So far, 800 trucks have entered Gaza, and today we are waiting to see how many more go through. Most of the cargo is food supplies and flour.”
Thousands of Tons Still Waiting
Al-Imam stressed that the aid effort is far from over. She revealed that more than 3,000 tonnes of essential supplies are still lined up and awaiting clearance at the border. Most of these supplies include flour, rice, cooking oil, and canned food—lifesaving necessities for Palestinians in Gaza.
Standing beside Al-Imam, North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to humanitarian work amid regional tensions and criticism from political opposition.
“What you have witnessed right now proves 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.”
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The Rafah crossing, once Gaza’s primary humanitarian gateway, has remained shut to inbound aid since March 1. That closure followed renewed conflict and Israel’s takeover of the Palestinian side of the crossing.
Egyptian trucks are now routed through Kerem Shalom, where Israeli forces conduct inspections before transferring the goods to the UN and other humanitarian agencies.
Despite the renewed effort, the process remains fraught with delays. Several trucks were seen returning from the border on Wednesday after Israeli authorities reportedly rejected their cargo. Dozens more remained in queues, awaiting inspection.
This ongoing convoy represents one of the largest aid efforts since the closure of the Gaza border earlier this year. It comes amid rising famine warnings and international pressure to reopen more consistent and transparent aid corridors into the war-torn territory.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
