Recent discussions surrounding humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip have intensified, bringing renewed scrutiny to the roles of Israel and Egypt. A tweet by Arynne Wexler highlighted a perceived imbalance in global expectations, questioning, > "So Israel provides the entire food supply for people that attacked them and are blamed when Hamas blocks it Yet Egypt - their Muslim brothers who also share a border with Gaza - isn isn't expected to do anything Did I get that right?" This public query comes amid ongoing efforts by international organizations to address the severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
Israel has facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through various crossings, including Rafah, Kerem Shalom, and Nitzana, and has announced daily tactical pauses in military activity to allow for aid distribution. Historically, Israel has maintained blockades on Gaza, citing security concerns and the need to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials that could be used by militant groups like Hamas. These measures, however, have often been criticized by international bodies for impeding the flow of essential supplies.
Egypt, sharing a crucial border with Gaza, serves as a primary conduit for international aid, with the Egyptian Red Crescent playing a significant role in coordinating deliveries. Aid trucks typically arrive in Egypt, undergo inspection, and then proceed to Gaza, primarily via the Rafah crossing. Despite its efforts, Egypt has also faced challenges, including concerns about a potential influx of refugees and logistical hurdles in managing the aid flow.
While Israeli officials and some organizations, such as the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), have frequently accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid for its own purposes, a recent internal analysis by USAID presents a different picture. According to reports from July 25-26, 2025, the USAID study found no evidence of widespread, systematic theft of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies by Hamas. The analysis, which reviewed over 150 reported incidents, did acknowledge the possibility of aid reaching Hamas administrative officials due to the inability to vet all Palestinian recipients.
The complex environment in Gaza means that aid delivery remains fraught with difficulties, including security risks, inspection procedures, and a general breakdown of civil order. Over 100 aid groups have collectively warned of mass starvation, attributing the dire situation to restrictions on access and distribution. International pressure continues to mount on all parties to ensure unhindered and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.