Cairo: Egypt's 12th humanitarian aid convoy has successfully reached the Gaza Strip through the Karm Abu Salem border crossing, southeast of the enclave. The convoy, part of the "Zad Al-Ezzah - From Egypt to Gaza" initiative, comprises dozens of trucks carrying essential supplies including food baskets, flour, medical supplies, canned meals, legumes, personal care items, infant formula, drinking water, and other relief materials.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Egyptian aid trucks assembled at the Rafah border crossing before proceeding into Gaza, a region grappling with severe humanitarian challenges. This initiative is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to alleviate the crisis faced by over two million Palestinians in the conflict-ridden area.

The Egyptian Red Crescent has been actively involved at the border since the onset of the crisis, coordinating and dispatching aid to those in need. Despite the challenging conditions, the Rafah land port has remained operational from the Egyptian side, with logistical centers on standby to ensure the continuous delivery of assistance.

To date, more than 36,000 trucks have transported nearly 500,000 tons of humanitarian and relief aid across the border, facilitated by the efforts of 35,000 Red Crescent volunteers. However, the delivery of aid continues amidst severe restrictions imposed by Israeli forces, who closed all border crossings to Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of a ceasefire agreement.

The situation has further escalated after the Israeli military violated the ceasefire on March 18 with heavy airstrikes and resumed ground incursions into previously withdrawn areas, complicating the humanitarian situation in Gaza.