Aid truck drivers face humiliation at Gaza border as they struggle to deliver food

For nearly two years, Egyptian truck drivers have been delivering vital aid through the Rafah crossing into Gaza, enduring lengthy waits and rigorous inspections. Upon receiving approval from the Egyptian side, trucks must undergo inspections by the Israeli military, which can take up to 18 hours. Many drivers, like Medhat Mohamed, experience frustrating setbacks, including being turned back for unclear reasons after lengthy waits. Conditions at the border are harsh, with thousands of drivers waiting in makeshift areas. Mahmoud al-Sheikh highlighted the emotional strain, saying conditions are more difficult than ever as aid deliveries face tighter restrictions. The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, indicated that around 5,000 trucks are currently waiting at the border, housing essential supplies. Despite claims from COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing the crossings, stating that there are no constraints on the trucks entering Gaza, aid groups report arbitrary rejections of pre-approved items. Amal Emam from the Egyptian Red Crescent noted instances where essential medical equipment, like ICU beds, were denied entry multiple times for dubious reasons, creating considerable delays in the aid process. COGAT has defended its operations by stating that denials only occur in cases where there are attempts to smuggle prohibited goods. Nevertheless, regulations and inspections lead to substantial logistical challenges for aid organizations. Emam mentioned the financial burdens associated with repacking items due to fluctuating guidelines from the Israeli authorities. Additionally, large warehouses in Egypt have been established to manage the backlog of aid, highlighting the inefficient system on the border. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, coupled with border restrictions, intensifies the urgency for drivers to deliver aid. Despite the low pay and difficult conditions, many truck drivers like al-Sheikh express their willingness to continue this challenging job solely to support the starving people of Gaza, showing their resilience in the face of adversity. Protests unfold globally against the apparent complicity of the Egyptian government in the hindrance of vital aid, reflecting the international concern for those in dire need in the war-torn enclave.