Moscow, 20 October 2023 (TDI): Russia has sent 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza which is to be transported from Egypt’s Rafah crossing, a statement released by Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
The statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry read, “Russia’s EMERCOM to deliver 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine, mainly food supplies: flour, sugar, rice, and pasta.
The Il-76 transport aircraft is already en route to Arish in Egypt. The Egyptian Red Crescent will ensure the delivery of the aid.”
According to the United Nations (UN), more than a million people, almost half the total population of Gaza, have been displaced since Israel began a campaign of airstrikes on the enclave following the assault on southern Israel by Hamas.
Ever since the conflict escalated on 7 October, Israel demanded Gazan residents to evacuate Northern Gaza which pushed many people south towards the Rafah crossing with Egypt.
The crossing has been closed since the start of the conflict, trapping both the Gazans and the aid from outside.
Also Read: World Food Program urges sustained access to Gaza
The Rafah crossing is the sole route between the Gaza Strip and Egypt for aid to enter directly from outside and the only border that does not lead to Israeli territory.
Although Egypt controls the crossing under a 2007 agreement with Israel, supplies coming to the Gaza Strip require Israeli approval and Israel is not giving permission for the entry of aid. Moreover, since the escalation, Israeli warplanes have repeatedly bombed the crossing.
