The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) launched the 287th “Zad Al-Ezza From Egypt to Gaza” aid convoy, carrying more than 2,231 tons of various humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip, as part of its role as the national mechanism for coordinating and delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians.In a statement on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Egyptian Red Crescent said the aid included more than 967 tons of food baskets and flour, over 611 tons of relief supplies and medical equipment, and more than 654 tons of petroleum products needed to operate hospitals and vital facilities in the Strip.
The Egyptian Red Crescent has maintained a presence at the border since the crisis began, with the Rafah crossing never being closed on the Egyptian side. It has also remained on standby at all logistical centers and continued efforts to deliver humanitarian and relief aid, supported by more than 75,000 volunteers.Israeli occupation forces had closed crossings linking the Gaza Strip with the outside world on March 2, 2025, following the conclusion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the failure to reach an agreement to consolidate the ceasefire.
The truce was breached by heavy airstrikes on March 18, 2025, followed by renewed ground incursions into various parts of the Gaza Strip from which Israeli forces had previously withdrawn.Occupation forces also prevented the entry of humanitarian aid and fuel trucks, as well as shelter supplies for displaced Palestinians who had lost their homes during the war on Gaza.
They also refused to allow the entry of heavy equipment needed to clear rubble and undertake reconstruction in the Strip.Israeli military troops announced a “temporary truce” lasting 10 hours on Sunday, July 27, 2025, and suspended military operations in parts of the Gaza Strip to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States continued their efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the exchange of prisoners and detainees. These efforts culminated in an agreement reached in the early hours of October 9, 2025, between Hamas and Israel on the first phase of a ceasefire agreement under US President Donald Trump’s plan in Sharm El-Sheikh, with Egyptian, US and Qatari mediation and Turkish efforts.T The second phase of the agreement entered into force on Monday, February 2, 2026, following the completion of the exchange of prisoners and detainees and the handover of the remains of the last Israeli detainee under the first phase of the agreement.
The implementation of the second phase allowed Palestinians to enter the Gaza Strip and injured Palestinians to leave the Strip for treatment at Egyptian hospitals following the opening of the Palestinian side of the Rafah Border Crossing. Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects Egyptian archaeological mission discovers Roman-era tomb in Dakhla Oasis Egypt sees major expansion in agricultural development projects Egyptian archaeological mission discovers Roman-era tomb in Dakhla Oasis