Red Crescent: Egypt "Only Country" Shouldering Responsibility for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Khaled Zayed, the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent in North Sinai, affirmed that Egypt remains the only country that has borne the responsibility of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, despite the numerous challenges and pressures. 

This commitment reflects Egypt’s longstanding humanitarian mission and regional leadership in supporting the Palestinian people.

In a phone interview with one of the local TV channels on Friday evening, Zayed revealed that the United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, personally supervised the aid delivery process at the Rafah border crossing. Fletcher praised the meticulous organization of the Egyptian Red Crescent, noting its significant role in the smooth flow of aid into Gaza.

Zayed highlighted that nearly two-thirds of all humanitarian aid entering Gaza originates from Egypt. The Egyptian Red Crescent, in cooperation with several local NGOs and humanitarian organizations, has been actively overseeing the logistics of aid distribution via the Rafah crossing. 

This operation has functioned as a national mechanism, operating with professionalism since October of the previous year and continuing up to the present day.

"The aid we are sending to Gaza is primarily Egyptian, and we are coordinating efforts with various charitable organizations to ensure it reaches those who need it the most," Zayed emphasized.

Despite the commitment to providing aid, Zayed explained that significant obstacles persist, primarily due to Israeli restrictions. These include limitations on the operating hours of the crossing, as well as occasional rejections of aid shipments under the pretext of non-compliance with specifications, despite the fact that these shipments adhere to international humanitarian standards overseen by the United Nations.

The Egyptian Red Crescent has mobilized more than 2,000 volunteers in North Sinai, who have worked tirelessly to provide relief to the people of Gaza. These volunteers have contributed over 700,000 hours of continuous labor since October 7, when the Israeli offensive on Gaza began, marking one of the largest humanitarian operations the region has witnessed in recent history.

“The commitment of our volunteers is extraordinary. They’ve been working around the clock, without rest, to ensure that aid reaches Gaza,” Zayed stated, acknowledging the remarkable dedication of the Red Crescent team in these trying times.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, Egypt continues to play a critical role in facilitating aid and providing unwavering support to the Palestinian people, further solidifying its position as a regional leader in humanitarian efforts.