Rafah border crossing, the gateway linking Egypt with the Gaza Strip, opened again this Sunday, marking a second consecutive day of access. Local media report that 17 trucks entered Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, signaling a crucial moment for civilians caught in the conflict.
State television in Egypt, Al Qahera News, broadcast the convoy’s passage live, showing the trucks entering Gaza via Rafah. Officials described the entourage as comprising three laden vehicles that were part of a larger aid convoy coordinated by the Egyptian Red Crescent in close coordination with their Palestinian partners along the route.
Volunteers waiting at the crossing for several days told reporters that the trucks carried a mix of medicines, clean water, and food staples. While they did not provide exhaustive cargo details, witnesses emphasized the essential nature of the aid amid ongoing shortages in the enclave.
A handful of volunteers gathered near the gate to cheer when drivers and mechanics signaled successful arrivals. Footage circulated on network screens showed the convoy trucks moving steadily into Gaza, raising cautious optimism among observers who have watched the crossing’s status evolve in recent weeks.
The fresh entry follows the long-awaited re-opening of Rafah, the only crossing free from Israeli control in the region, which had been closed after Israel cited security concerns and damage to the road from recent bombardments. The temporary closure interrupted a lifeline for many in Gaza relying on outside supplies.
Earlier, authorities at Rafah had closed the gates on both sides after unloading the initial cargo, leaving a first wave of 20 aid trucks to complete their mission. The halt underscored the fragile, stop-and-go pattern that has characterized aid movements amid the broader conflict.
In the surrounding region, the conflict persisted with significant military activity. Israeli forces intensified air operations, and overnight strikes reportedly targeted Hamas leadership alongside other militants. The bombardment is part of a broader campaign described by officials as aimed at degrading militant capabilities while avoiding civilian harm where possible, though the human toll remains high.
Casualty figures from Gaza continue to rise, with Palestinian sources reporting that more than 4,400 people have died since the hostilities intensified more than two weeks ago. Among the deceased, a large share are women, children, and older residents, highlighting the devastating impact on the most vulnerable groups in the enclave.
On the Israeli side, the conflict has produced a substantial toll as well, with reported fatalities among combatants and civilians stemming from rocket exchanges and heightened military actions. The violence has displaced tens of thousands and strained access to essential services, healthcare, and basic utilities across both sides of the border. In this volatile situation, aid convoys and humanitarian corridors remain a critical, though unpredictable, channel for relief according to international observers and relief organizations. [Attribution: humanitarian aid observation reports and regional press briefings]