Angelina Jolie Visits Rafah Crossing to Highlight Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

In a significant humanitarian visit with strong political implications, American actress Angelina Jolie traveled to North Sinai and the Rafah crossing to witness firsthand the extensive humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza, stating that her observations were "beyond description."

A Field Tour Amidst Crisis

Jolie was joined by Ambassador Nabila Makram Ebeid and U.S. State Department representative Arwa Jayiri. Their tour included Al-Arish General Hospital, which treats numerous injured Palestinians. There, Jolie listened to harrowing accounts from bombing survivors and inquired about their medical conditions, commending the efforts of Egyptian medical personnel who are working diligently under challenging circumstances.

“Unimaginable Stories of Suffering”

During discussions with medical staff and patients, Jolie remarked that the human suffering and narratives of loss she encountered were "beyond words," describing the work of the medical teams at Al-Arish as heroic. She noted that their efforts to save lives in such dire conditions exemplify extraordinary human sacrifice.

Rafah: A Critical Lifeline

North Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Megahed welcomed the delegation, acknowledging the visit's importance in highlighting Sinai's role as the sole lifeline for Gaza. The group later inspected humanitarian aid warehouses, where Jolie observed the organization and efficiency in managing relief supplies.

International Coordination and Political Context

At the Rafah crossing, Jolie reviewed the procedures and coordination efforts with the Egyptian Red Crescent. Ambassador Nabila Makram Ebeid emphasized that Egypt "opens its heart before its borders," reiterating ongoing efforts to facilitate aid delivery. The U.S. State Department representative explained that the visit aimed to assess urgent needs and ensure that assistance matches the scale of the crisis, particularly as winter approaches.

Warnings of Humanitarian Collapse

This visit coincided with a statement from the foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic nations, warning of a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. They indicated that approximately 1.9 million displaced individuals face unprecedented risks due to ongoing bombardments, blockades, and harsh winter conditions. The statement highlighted that displacement camps have become disaster zones, inundated with rainwater, amid severe shortages of heating and essential services, raising alarms about potential health crises and the spread of diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, women, and the elderly.

A Crossing Under Strain

The Rafah crossing remains a focal point of political tensions, following Israel's previous refusal to fully open it for the injured and humanitarian aid, despite American pressure to maintain it as a critical humanitarian corridor between Gaza and Egypt.