Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt makes urgent humanitarian appeal at Rafah border, reaffirms ongoing Gaza aid efforts
Rafah, Egypt – On World Humanitarian Day, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, issued a heartfelt call from the Rafah border crossing, urging for the swift entry of all Egyptian humanitarian aid shipments currently held at the crossing and stored by the Egyptian Red Crescent. Dr. Morsy’s moving plea came during a joint press conference with Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Badr Abdel Atty, and Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, emphasizing that true celebration of World Humanitarian Day means alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Dr. Morsy highlighted that for nearly 670 consecutive days since October 7, 2023, “Egypt has not wavered in its national and humanitarian duty towards Gaza, despite enormous challenges.” She underscored that under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership, Egypt remains steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people, reflecting a deep historical and emotional bond between the two nations.
"Egypt’s support for Gaza is not only a response to a current crisis—it is a fundamental, ongoing policy rooted in justice for the Palestinian cause, and a reflection of the central place this issue holds for the Egyptian people,” Dr. Morsy said.
She recounted the daily passage of Egyptian aid convoys into Gaza, organized despite persistent obstacles, noting that “Egypt’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is not just a principle, but a true commitment expressed through real actions on the ground.”
Since the escalation began, Egypt’s aid operations have been highly organized. The Egyptian Red Crescent, designated as the official coordinator for humanitarian assistance, has efficiently managed aid received by land, sea, and air. Carefully devised systems are in place to ensure aid is quickly processed, tracked, and delivered, while avoiding duplication and bottlenecks.
For the first time, Egypt set up a major logistics hub and customs warehouses in Arish to inspect and sort aid, along with a digital system to register and monitor every shipment from receipt to final delivery.
Airlifts have brought in humanitarian supplies from Europe, the United States, and Arab nations via Arish airport, turning it into a global logistical center for relief efforts. Over 550,000 tons of aid have been allowed through—around 75% food and essentials, and 25% medicine and vital relief items. More than 32,000 airdrops of food supplies have reached the residents of Gaza.
Egypt, coordinating with international partners, has provided and stored 10 million liters of fuel, sent 209 ambulances, and constructed four field hospitals with assistance from Kuwaiti and Palestinian Red Crescent associations. New initiatives, such as food supply centers and large-scale kitchens, have delivered over 2 million freshly cooked meals, more than 1 million hot meals, and 750,000 ready-to-eat food packs to Gaza.
In July 2025, Egypt launched the “Zad Al-Ezza” aid convoys, which have delivered 17,000 tons of food and 752,000 food packages, as well as fresh bread daily from the newly established humanitarian bakery. Shelter projects in Khan Younis, developed in cooperation with Palestinian relief agencies, have benefited over 10,000 displaced people.
In addition to providing aid, Egypt has received thousands of injured and sick Palestinians for treatment in its hospitals—with over 6,300 family caregivers also welcomed, all to ensure dignity and compassionate care for Gaza’s most vulnerable.
Dr. Morsy closed her remarks with an urgent appeal for the immediate passage of all remaining aid at the Rafah crossing and a heartfelt hope for an imminent ceasefire. “With over 35,000 volunteers working day and night, Egypt stands with Gaza—and will continue to do so—until this tragedy ends and help can flow even more freely.”