On Sunday, Egyptian aid trucks began moving into Gaza from Egypt following reports by state-affiliated Al-Qahera News TV, marking a potentially momentous turn in the unfolding humanitarian crisis. The move comes amid increasing international pressure and warnings from relief agencies of widespread starvation in Gaza enclave. WTVBAM reported this development. Reuters provided more details. The convoy is expected to reach Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza where several trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies will enter Gaza Strip via Karam Abu Salem crossing. Arab News + 15 and Wikipedia both provide updates. Since Rafah crossing has been closed, aid is being funneled through Israel where strict security checks are carried out before reaching Gaza, according to The Jerusalem Post and Times of Israel (plus 5). Israel recently announced humanitarian measures, such as aerial aid drops and dedicated corridors with temporary cease-fires, to facilitate safe movement of United Nations convoys and aid shipments, according to sources including The Jerusalem Post, Reuters and Arab News. This latest development coincides with Israel’s announcement. Background and Context WASHINGTON– Since early March 2025, Israel has implemented a blockade on Gaza, restricting all forms of food and aid delivery. This caused food prices to skyrocket–up to 1,400%– and led to collapse of UN-supported bakeries and feeding centers by late April (2025). Whilst all forms of aid delivery stopped suddenly, all forms of food consumption also significantly declined (Reuters/Wikipedia). By mid-May, the World Food Program had exhausted its last reserves and acute malnutrition had skyrocketed in Gaza. UN agencies assessed severe malnutrition in over 66,000 children across Gaza by June. On Wikipedia. Humanitarian agencies such as UNRWA have warned of mass starvation. Over 6,000 aid trucks are presently stranded in Egypt and Jordan awaiting clearance to deliver aid, according to The Guardian and The Times, respectively. World Food Programme and other groups made urgent appeals to Israel to allow unhindered land-based aid access for continuous relief efforts, according to both The Times and Washington Post (+1 each). Israeli Response and Aid Measures Responding to an intensifying crisis, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) resumed aid airdrops into northern Gaza on July 26. The first drop included flour, sugar, and canned food (The Guardian +13 and Washington Post+13, and Reuters respectively). Israel announced daily humanitarian pauses from 10 am to 8 pm for areas including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Al-Mawasi; they will also open corridors from 6 am to 11 pm specifically for UN and other aid convoys (Reuters + The Times +1). While Israel says it facilitates aid, it denies accusations that it intentionally causes starvation and shifts blame onto UN distribution inefficiencies (The Times +3 The Washington Post +3 and Reuters). Critiques from aid groups remain intense, with many calling airdrops too limited and calling for rapid return of ground-based deliveries (Washington Post +AP News). Humanitarian and Regional Responses UNRWA and other organizations have described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, with reports surfacing of frontline aid workers collapsing from hunger while nutrition and health emergencies persist, The Guardian reports. The UN has demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, greater aid access and lifting of the siege on Gaza – The Guardian reports. Egypt’s decision to send truck convoys into Gaza has been seen by some Arab states as an impressive diplomatic victory amid calls for greater relief efforts. Analysts view this development as reflecting increased regional pressure for civilian relief in Gaza, says The Jerusalem Post (Jonathan Kraig). Outlook and Challenges While access channels have improved, serious doubts persist regarding the sufficiency and safety of aid delivery. Recently, over 1,000 Palestinians have died while attempting to gain entry to distribution sites run by controversial groups like Gaza Humanitarian Foundation which operates with Israel-backed frameworks (Wikipedia-1). Israel and Hamas remain mired in negotiations that remain deadlocked, hampering any hopes for de-escalation or greater de-escalation prospects. [Wikipedia +15, Reuters + 15 and AP News] +15 The future of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents depends on whether current aid efforts can be scaled to provide uninterrupted land delivery – and whether durable peace talks can be revived.
