By Pablo de Aguinaco Berrio
Rafah, Egypt (EFE).- Egyptian civil society organizations denounced on Wednesday the continued Israeli restriction on humanitarian aid entering Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, where thousands of trucks remain stranded, awaiting approval from Israeli authorities at Kerem Shalom.
At a press conference held at the Rafah border, members of the National Coalition for Gaza demanded immediate action.
“Enough is enough,” said one spokesperson. “The aid is ready, but it’s not reaching those who need it most.”
“We are here every day in Rafah, waiting to be allowed through. We appeal to the world’s conscience. People in Gaza are starving while the bombings continue,” added Hamed Ibrahim, Vice President of the NGO Sonna al Hayah.
Drivers at the crossing say they face long delays and arbitrary restrictions.
“Inspections are extremely slow,” said one truck driver. “Only five to ten trucks cross each day. Fresh food is banned, and flour is rejected. It’s deeply unfair.”
Aid blocked despite Israeli “tactical pauses”
Although Israel announced “tactical pauses” on Jul. 27 to facilitate aid access, NGOs report no significant improvement.
Many truckers have been waiting at the border for up to ten days. “Out of 500 trucks ready, only 70 were allowed in yesterday,” said one driver. “Sometimes, we’re turned back without explanation.”
Humanitarian supplies are frequently rejected for carrying items like medical scissors, green sleeping bags, or sacks of flour, criteria that drivers call “arbitrary.”
The Egyptian Red Crescent reports that since late July, 800 trucks carrying 8,000 tons of aid, mostly food and medicine, have crossed into Gaza.
However, more than 200 vehicles remain halted. Egyptian authorities say they could send at least 500 trucks daily, similar to pre-war levels, but Israeli restrictions make that impossible.
Coordination with UN, growing civilian mobilization
Amal Imam, Executive Director of the Egyptian Red Crescent, stated that aid efforts are coordinated with UN agencies.
“This is a national popular epic, not just a logistics operation,” she said.
She added that nearly 1,500 tons of aid per day are prepared under the “Zad al Izaa” convoy, yet most trucks await clearance.
Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, Egypt has sent over 36,000 trucks, equivalent to 500,000 tons of aid, according to press conference data.
Meanwhile, at least 180 people, including 93 children, have died of hunger or malnutrition in Gaza, local health officials reported Monday.
Ahmed Gamal, from the NGO Sonaa al Kheir, highlighted the mobilization of over 250,000 Egyptian volunteers. “We’re ready to send all the necessary aid, and more,” he said.
pab/seo
