Cairo: The 235th humanitarian aid convoy, named "Zad Al-Ezza... From Egypt to Gaza," embarked on its journey on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with the mission of delivering essential assistance to Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the convoy is proceeding through the secondary gate of Rafah Land Port toward the Karam Abu Salem crossing. This effort is part of Egypt's continuous initiative to alleviate the humanitarian situation affecting over two million Palestinians in Gaza.
A senior official from the Egyptian Red Crescent highlighted that the convoy is laden with substantial quantities of humanitarian and food aid. This includes food supplies, food baskets, flour, fresh bread, legumes, canned food, medicines, personal hygiene items, tents, clothing, and petroleum products. The official also mentioned that the trucks will undergo inspection by Israeli authorities before gaining entry into the enclave.
The context of these humanitarian efforts dates back to March 2, 2025, when Israeli authorities closed all crossings into the Gaza Strip. This closure followed the conclusion of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement and the unsuccessful attempt to reach an extension deal. Subsequently, on March 18, 2025, Israel resumed intensive airstrikes and initiated renewed ground operations in several areas of Gaza from which their forces had previously withdrawn.
These closures severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, fuel, and shelter supplies for displaced Palestinians who lost their homes during the conflict. Additionally, Israeli authorities prohibited the entry of heavy equipment necessary for rubble removal and reconstruction.
In May 2025, aid deliveries restarted under a mechanism managed by Israeli authorities in collaboration with a US private security company. This approach faced criticism from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which argued that the mechanism did not adhere to the established international humanitarian framework.