'Israel' blocks 5,000 aid trucks at Rafah border from entering, says Egyptian FM

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned Monday that over 5,000 trucks of humanitarian aid are ready on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing but are being prevented from entering Gaza due to 'Israeli' restrictions.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Abdelatty said Egypt is “fully prepared to flood Gaza with aid, once Israel removes the obstacles to its entry.”

The Palestinian Prime Minister arrived at Rafah today to oversee Egyptian efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza Strip. Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s support for “the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land” and reiterated that Cairo opposes any attempts to displace Palestinians.

He also condemned 'Israeli' statements regarding “Greater Israel” and any declared intentions to remain in Gaza or annex the West Bank.

Prime Minister Mustafa reaffirmed that Gaza remains an integral part of the Palestinian state and that the Palestinian government alone is responsible for managing its affairs. He announced the imminent formation of a temporary committee to administer Gaza, reinforcing the role of Palestinian institutions.

Egypt has provided 70 percent of the humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza since the war escalated, totaling over 550,000 tons of supplies and 168 air-drops. Since July 27, only 1,288 trucks have entered through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing, far below the estimated daily need of 700–900 trucks.

Abdelatty concluded that “the 5,000 trucks on the Egyptian side await entry, but the occupation continues to impose restrictions.”