Egypt Launches 91st Humanitarian Convoy to Gaza Amid Deteriorating Conditions

In a continued effort to assist the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Red Crescent launched the 91st convoy of the "Zad Al-Izza" initiative this morning, Wednesday, transporting over 10,000 tons of urgently needed humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and winter essentials.

According to the Egyptian Red Crescent, the convoy carries 6,200 tons of food packages, more than 2,600 tons of medical supplies, and approximately 1,200 tons of petroleum-related materials. The statement emphasized that part of the aid is intended to address severe weather conditions, including over 45,000 blankets, 25,900 winter clothing items, and 10,225 tents for those affected.

This initiative is part of a long-term support plan, with the first "Zad Al-Izza" convoys having commenced on July 27 of last year, delivering thousands of tons of diverse aid. The Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed its ongoing presence at the border to facilitate coordination and transport of supplies, stating that "the Rafah crossing has never been fully closed from the Egyptian side" and that it continues to work tirelessly to deliver over half a million tons of humanitarian aid with the help of 35,000 volunteers.

The launch of the convoy coincides with warnings about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, as Palestinian sources recently reported a significant deterioration in conditions, especially with the onset of winter. They highlighted an acute shortage of essential food items such as flour, oil, sugar, rice, and baby formula, warning that malnutrition threatens the lives of approximately 50,000 infants under one year and around 300,000 children under five.