CAIRO – 19 August 2025: the 18th convoy of aid trucks from the initiative "Zad El Ezza... From Egypt to Gaza" began entering the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, 19th August.
The convoy entered through the sub-gate of the Rafah land port, heading to the Kerem Abu Salem crossing in the southeast of the Strip, where the trucks undergo inspection by Israeli forces before being allowed in.
An official source at the Rafah land port stated that the "Zad El Ezza" convoy, now on its 18th day, includes trucks carrying large quantities of essential food baskets and various goods, such as sugar, oil, legumes, baby formula, flour, and rice. The convoy also carries medical supplies and personal items provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent. Since July 27, thousands of trucks have entered the Strip as part of Egypt's continuous efforts to provide food and relief support to the people of Gaza.
The source added that the Egyptian Red Crescent convoys, "Zad El Ezza," over the past week, including the latest one yesterday, included trucks of urgent food, medical, and relief aid. The shipments carried approximately 2,400 tons of essential supplies, including 2,300 tons of food and flour and over 100 tons of medical and relief materials.
The Egyptian Red Crescent has been present at the border as a national mechanism for coordinating and facilitating aid into Gaza since the beginning of the crisis. The Rafah land port has never been permanently closed on the Egyptian side. The ERC continues its readiness at all logistical centers and its ongoing efforts have facilitated the entry of over 36,000 trucks loaded with approximately half a million tons of humanitarian and relief aid, thanks to the efforts of 35,000 volunteers.
Israeli forces closed the crossings into the Gaza Strip on March 2, after the first phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza ended without a permanent truce. The truce was violated with heavy aerial bombardment on March 18, and ground forces re-entered various areas of the Gaza Strip they had previously withdrawn from. Additionally, Israeli authorities have prevented the entry of humanitarian aid trucks, fuel, and shelter supplies for the displaced.
Heavy equipment necessary for rubble removal and reconstruction has also been denied entry. Aid delivery to Gaza was resumed last May through a mechanism implemented by Israeli authorities and a U.S. security company, despite its rejection by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for violating established international procedures.
The Israeli army announced a "temporary truce" for 10 hours on Sunday, July 27, suspending military operations in certain areas to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States continue their efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange.
Tue, Aug. 19, 2025
