169th humanitarian aid convoy enters Gaza via Rafah crossing

CAIRO - 1 April 2026: The 169th convoy of humanitarian aid trucks began entering the Gaza Strip through the secondary gate at the Rafah land port, heading toward the Karam Abu Salem crossing for delivery into the territory as part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis affecting more than two million Palestinians.

A senior official said the trucks carry large quantities of food and relief supplies, including food packages, flour, fresh bread, legumes, preserved foods, medicines, personal care items, tents, and fuel.

Israeli occupation forces had closed crossings into Gaza on March 2, 2025, following the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and the failure to reach a permanent truce.

The ceasefire was violated by heavy airstrikes on March 18, 2025, and Israeli forces re-entered parts of Gaza from which they had withdrawn.

The occupation authorities also prevented the entry of humanitarian aid, fuel, and shelter supplies for displaced residents, and blocked heavy equipment needed for rubble removal and reconstruction.

Aid deliveries resumed in May 2025 under a mechanism implemented by Israeli authorities and a US security company, despite objections from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) over its deviation from standard international procedures.

The second phase of the agreement came into effect on February 2, 2026, following the completion of prisoner exchanges and the handover of the remains of the last detained Israeli under the first phase.

Palestinians were permitted to enter Gaza and injured individuals to leave for treatment in Egyptian hospitals after the Palestinian side of the Rafah land crossing was reopened.