Hundreds of aid trucks carrying much-needed supplies for Gaza have been lined up at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, causing significant delays in delivering essential aid to the region. Drivers and volunteers have been waiting for over a week at the border, enduring the frustration of stalled progress.

The congestion on the other side of the border has prevented trucks from entering Gaza, leaving drivers like Ahmed Naim Ibrahim, one of the first in line, feeling helpless. To reach their destination, trucks must first travel 40km (24 miles) south along the border to the Al-Owga crossing between Egypt and Israel, where Israeli officials perform inspections. Only then can the trucks unload aid at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Unfortunately, the inspection process is time-consuming, resulting in even longer delays. Truck driver Saleh Ebada emphasized that the Israeli inspection is the main cause of the hold-up, as it can take up to two or three days for the aid to be distributed in Gaza after trucks pass through the Rafah border crossing. He explained that trucks often have to wait in a 20km (12 miles) line before reaching the Israeli inspection point.

The long wait has left volunteers, such as Hazem Mohamed from the Egyptian charity organization Resala, frustrated. Despite the extended delay, Mohamed shared that their duty to help their brothers in Gaza motivates them. He expressed solidarity, stating, "Waiting for eight days is nothing compared to what those in Gaza are going through."

Although the number of trucks entering the Rafah border increased during the recent truce, the ceasefire ending halted further progress. UN officials revealed that, on average, 500 trucks used to enter Gaza before the conflict escalated on October 7. However, many trucks are still trapped at the Israeli inspection, unable to reach their intended destination in a timely manner.

The rigorous inspection process involves the prohibition of certain items, including small kitchen knives, scissors, and gas canisters. Israeli officials have stated that these checks are crucial to prevent weapons from being smuggled in for Hamas.

In addition to aid, the Rafah border crossing has also facilitated the departure of over 9,000 individuals from Gaza in recent weeks. According to official numbers in Egypt, between November 1 and November 29, 8,691 foreign or dual nationals entered the country. Among them were 389 wounded Palestinians and 328 accompanying individuals, who are currently receiving treatment in Egyptian field hospitals and other healthcare facilities near the border.

Tragically, one of the 16 premature babies transferred from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to El Arish General Hospital sadly passed away. The remaining infants are being cared for in hospitals in El Arish and Cairo, as their futures remain uncertain due to the absence of family members.

The situation at the border remains challenging for all those involved, with no clear resolution in sight. The caretakers continue to offer support to the wounded Palestinians, knowing that their circumstances may change depending on developments in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.