200 aid trucks rerouted from Rafah to Karm Abu Salem crossing for entry to Gaza: Al Qahera News

CAIRO – 26 May 2024: Around 200 humanitarian aid trucks, including fuel trucks, have been redirected from the Rafah border crossing to the Karm Abu Salem crossing in preparation for their entry into Gaza from Israel, reported Al Qahera News.

Each of the trucks is loaded with around 15-20 tons of aid, including food and medication.

This development comes as the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed due to Israeli forces’ ground operations in Rafah city, including the takeover of the Gazan side of the crossing since May 7.

Egypt has declined to coordinate with Israel regarding the delivery of aid through the Rafah crossing due to Israel's "unacceptable escalation," as stated by a senior official on May 11.

The rerouting of aid occurs just two days after President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed with US President Joe Biden on Friday to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and fuel through the Karm Abu Salem border crossing.

They have agreed that the aid will be temporarily delivered to the United Nations at the crossing until a legal mechanism is established for reopening the Rafah border crossing.

Since May 7, a mere 906 trucks, averaging around 50 trucks per day, have entered Gaza, according to media reports. This represents only a fraction of the essential food supplies and humanitarian aid required to meet the needs of the people in the strip.