CAIRO – 27 January 2026: The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) dispatched its 125th “Zad El-Ezza: From Egypt to Gaza” convoy, delivering over 7,475 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. At least 20,000 Palestinian patients remain unable to travel abroad for medical treatment, awaiting the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
The convoy, which left early in the morning, included more than 3,540 tonnes of food parcels and flour, over 2,345 tonnes of medical supplies and relief items, approximately 210 tonnes of infant formula, and more than 1,380 tonnes of petroleum products, according to an ERC statement, According to Ahram Online.
In response to deteriorating weather conditions and falling temperatures, the ERC is also sending over 54,700 pieces of winter clothing, more than 11,260 blankets, and 170 tents to provide shelter for displaced and affected families.
Since the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, Egypt has led what officials describe as the largest and most sustained humanitarian relief operation in modern history, delivering more than 800,000 tonnes of aid to the besieged enclave over more than 760 consecutive days.
The operation has been coordinated by the ERC, Egypt’s national mechanism for Gaza assistance, and supported by a volunteer force exceeding 65,000 men and women, alongside a nationwide logistics network.
Humanitarian aid has entered Gaza primarily through the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings, with Egypt coordinating deliveries with 59 countries, as well as the United Nations and international partners, despite the ongoing Israeli blockade.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry warned on Tuesday that Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side is severely worsening health conditions for patients and wounded people, putting their lives at serious risk.
In a statement, the ministry said around 20,000 patients with completed medical referrals are awaiting permission to travel abroad for treatment, including 4,500 children. Of those cases, 440 are classified as life-saving emergencies.
The ministry stated that shortages of medicines and medical supplies, the suspension of most specialized services, and the destruction of hospital infrastructure have significantly expanded waiting lists for treatment abroad.
According to the statement, 1,268 patients have died while waiting to be allowed to leave Gaza for medical care.
Cancer patients were identified as among the most severely affected groups due to the continued closure of Rafah and the lack of specialized treatment and diagnostic services, with around 4,000 oncology patients currently on urgent waiting lists for travel.
The ministry added that only 3,100 patients have managed to leave the Gaza Strip since the Rafah land crossing was closed on the Palestinian side on 7 May 2024.
It warned of unpredictable health consequences, including a potential rise in patient deaths and medical referrals, stressing that reopening the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side, facilitating the departure of patients and wounded people, and ensuring the entry of essential medical supplies remain the last available lifeline for patients in Gaza.
Tue, Jan. 27, 2026
