Rafah: The 121st humanitarian aid convoy began entering Gaza through the Rafah Border Crossing in North Sinai, heading toward the Karam Abu Salem crossing on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026. This marks the beginning of the delivery process to the Gaza Strip.

According to State Information Service Egypt, a reliable source at the Rafah Border Crossing mentioned that the convoy, part of the "Zad Al-Izza from Egypt to Gaza" initiative, is carrying thousands of tons of relief and humanitarian aid. The aid includes food parcels, medical supplies, therapeutic drugs, personal care items, as well as petroleum products like gasoline, natural gas, and diesel. It also contains emergency relief materials such as tents, blankets, and winter clothing.

The Egyptian Red Crescent has been coordinating the flow of aid to Gaza since the crisis began in October 2023. The Rafah Border Crossing was not completely shut down during this period, continuing to be on high alert with logistical centers and the efforts of 35,000 volunteers facilitating the aid delivery.

The Israeli forces closed the crossings linking Gaza with Egypt and Israel on March 2, 2025, following the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ceasefire collapsed when Israel violated it with airstrikes on March 18, 2025, and launched a ground incursion into areas of Gaza that they had previously withdrawn from.

Israeli authorities also prohibited the entry of humanitarian aid trucks, fuel, and emergency relief materials for displaced persons who lost their homes in the conflict. Additionally, the entry of heavy machinery necessary for debris removal and reconstruction was blocked.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza resumed in May 2025 through an arrangement facilitated by Israeli authorities and a US security company, despite objections from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for violating the established international mechanism.