Cairo: The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) announced that the 'Zad Al-Izza . from Egypt to Gaza' convoy on its 182nd day set off on Sunday, April 26, 2026, morning carrying a number of trucks loaded with urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the ERC stated that the convoy includes more than 105,000 food baskets, 1,500 tons of flour, and 915 tons of medicines, relief supplies, and personal care products. Additionally, 1,000 tons of fuel are being sent to operate hospitals and vital facilities in the Palestinian enclave, as part of its ongoing efforts as a national mechanism for coordinating aid to Gaza.
The ERC further mentioned that approximately 11,305 clothing items and about 14,915 blankets were dispatched, along with 3,315 tarpaulins. In a related context, the ERC is preparing to receive the 38th batch of wounded and sick Palestinians, as well as accompanying persons, and is facilitating crossing procedures for arrivals and departures.
The ERC has maintained a presence at the border since the beginning of the Israeli war, noting that the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian side has never been fully closed. It has continued its readiness across all logistical centers and sustained efforts to deliver humanitarian and relief aid exceeding 900,000 tons, supported by more than 65,000 volunteers.
Israeli forces closed crossings linking the Gaza Strip since March 2, 2025, following the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the failure to reach a deal to consolidate the truce. The ceasefire was breached with heavy Israeli airstrikes on March 18, 2025, followed by renewed ground incursions into various areas of the enclave from which forces had previously withdrawn.
Israeli occupation authorities also prevented the entry of humanitarian aid trucks, fuel, and shelter supplies for displaced Palestinians who lost their homes in the war on Gaza and refused to allow in heavy equipment needed for debris 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 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which said it contravened established international mechanisms.
The Israeli occupation army later announced a 'temporary truce' for 10 hours on Sunday, July 27, 2025, suspending military operations in parts of the Gaza Strip to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.