High-level UN delegation visits Rafah Border, follows up on aid delivery into Gaza

CAIRO - 20 January 2025: A high-level delegation from the United Nations, including the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, the Head of the OCHA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, the Chief of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Representative Office in Cairo, and representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), has visited Al-Arish city and Rafah border crossing to follow up on the critical preparations for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza following the recent ceasefire agreement.

The delegation followed up on the efforts of the Egyptian Red Crescent in bringing in trucks loaded with aid to the Gaza Strip. The delegation's visit to the Rafah crossing was preceded by a reception by Major General Dr. Khaled Megawer, Governor of North Sinai, Ms. Elena Banová, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, and her accompanying delegation.

“It is a core mandate of the United Nations to support people in need. Collaboration is underway with the Government of Egypt, the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Governor of North Sinai to support the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, with a commitment to sustained on-the-ground coordination and support,” said Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt.

She added, “As the humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels inside Gaza, ceasefire is a golden opportunity to ease the tremendous suffering of this conflict through bolstering aid delivery into Gaza from all possible routes to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the people who need it most." 

Humanitarian supplies entering Gaza through Egypt are sourced both locally and internationally. Supplies are delivered through Egypt’s sea and airports before being transported to Al-Arish, where they undergo screening, inspections, and coordination at the ERCS logistical hub, and from there, aid is dispatched into Gaza.