Cairo:The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) has initiated the 306th convoy of its 'Zad Al-Ezza, From Egypt to Gaza' initiative, transporting more than 1,897 tonnes of flour, food parcels, and urgent humanitarian and relief aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the ERC reported that the convoy was sent as part of its 'Giving Grains' campaign to mitigate the acute bread shortage and the disruption of bakeries in Gaza, while supporting residents facing challenging humanitarian conditions as winter approaches.
The aid includes flour, food parcels, relief materials, medicines, and medical supplies, along with fuel necessary for operating bakeries, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Additionally, the convoy contains over 820 tents and 1,896 blankets to address winter needs.
The ERC stated that the 'Zad Al-Ezza' initiative has delivered over 3,802 tonnes of various aid, including food, medical, and relief supplies, as well as fuel for essential services. The organization has maintained its presence at the border since the crisis began, enhancing readiness at its logistics centers and intensifying efforts to prepare and deliver humanitarian assistance.
The ERC further noted that total aid delivered to Gaza has surpassed one million tonnes, with the involvement of more than 75,000 volunteers.
The situation in Gaza has been tense since Israeli occupation forces closed the crossings on March 2, 2025, after the first phase of a ceasefire agreement ended without a deal to consolidate the truce. Hostilities resumed with heavy airstrikes by Israeli forces on March 18, 2025, and ground incursions into previously withdrawn areas.
Israeli authorities also restricted the entry of aid, fuel, and shelter supplies for displaced individuals, as well as heavy equipment necessary for clearing rubble and commencing reconstruction. Aid deliveries resumed in May 2025 under a mechanism implemented by the Israeli authorities and a US security company, despite objections from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) regarding its inconsistency with the established international mechanism.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the Israeli army announced a 10-hour 'temporary ceasefire,' halting military operations in parts of Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been engaged in mediation efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and an exchange of prisoners and detainees. An agreement between Hamas and Israel on the first phase of the ceasefire was reached on October 9, 2025, under US President Donald Trump's plan in Sharm El-Sheikh, with Egyptian, US, and Qatari mediation and Turkish contributions.
The second phase of the agreement commenced on February 2, 2026, following the completion of the exchange of prisoners and detainees and the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage from the first phase. This agreement permits Palestinians to enter the Gaza Strip and allows injured individuals to leave for medical treatment at Egyptian hospitals through the Rafah crossing.