Cairo: Egypt has sent its 18th humanitarian convoy to Gaza, delivering 2,400 tonnes of essential supplies, including food, flour, and medical aid, via the Rafah crossing. This action comes in response to a dire situation where starvation-related deaths in Gaza have increased to 263, with 112 children among the victims.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the convoys are part of the Zad El-Ezza: From Egypt to Gaza initiative that began in late July. This effort aims to alleviate the severe famine conditions resulting from a five-month-long blockade imposed by Israel.

Currently, thousands of trucks are stuck in Egypt awaiting clearance from Israel, with over 5,000 vehicles queued at the Rafah crossing alone. Since October 2023, Egypt has been instrumental in delivering over 70 percent of the aid entering Gaza, amounting to 45,125 trucks carrying 500,000 tonnes of relief supplies. Of these, 368,000 tonnes originated from Egypt, while 132,000 tonnes were sourced from other countries.

Despite facing repeated obstructions from Israel, seventeen convoys have successfully entered Gaza since July 27.