Egypt-Gaza Border Aid Blocked Amidst
Calls for Rafah Crossing to Open

On the Egypt-Gaza border, a humanitarian crisis looms as aid remains stranded at the Rafah crossing, leaving many to wonder when the border will finally open. On October 18,
hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Cairo, chanting, "Open the Rafah crossing point," demanding immediate action.

Their calls seemed to have an impact as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Israel would not obstruct humanitarian aid from Egypt, as long as it includes
essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines for the civilian population in southern Gaza. This announcement provided a glimmer of hope to the demonstrators.
However, one anonymous journalist emphasized that this is just the first step. They stressed that the opening of the Rafah crossing has been a humanitarian necessity from the outset, given the dire situation in Gaza. They called for the United Nations Security Council to impose a ceasefire to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Despite the announcement, humanitarian aid is not expected to reach Gaza until at least October 20, as Egyptian workers repair the damage caused by Israeli bombings in the area. The
Rafah crossing has been effectively closed since Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza following an October 7 surprise attack by Hamas. This has led to a dire situation, with casualties on both sides and international aid piling up on the
Egyptian side of the border.

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