Last month, a UN Security Council resolution was passed to assign Sigrid Kaag the task of overseeing and confirming the delivery of aid to Gaza.

She is committed to creating a system that expedites the delivery of aid to Gaza from non-participating countries.

Acute needs 

Ms. Kaag stated that her purpose in Egypt was to explore ways to make the process of providing much-needed aid for civilians in Gaza faster and more efficient, due to the severe humanitarian conditions they are facing.

On Monday, she arrived in Cairo, the capital, and had “excellent conversations and talks” with the Ministers in charge of Foreign Affairs, Social Solidarity, and Defense, as well as the Egyptian Red Crescent Society.

The visit is of utmost significance as it allows us to witness the efforts being made by Egypt, volunteers, and the government to offer humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza. The statement was given by a spokesperson to reporters.

She mentioned that the purpose of the visit is to meet with colleagues and strategize ways to enhance our support for the Government and Red Crescent according to their needs and perspective. Ultimately, our goal is to help innocent civilians in Gaza.

She emphasized that the information and discussions would be crucial for her reports to the Security Council.

Ms. Kaag traveled to Rafah, which is one of two entry points for humanitarian assistance into Gaza and is about 40 kilometers away from Al-Arish.

According to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday, a total of 204 trucks containing essential items such as food, medicine, and other supplies were able to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings on January 15th and 16th.

The Palestinian branch of the Red Crescent Society was given 25 trucks by the Egyptian branch through the Rafah crossing on January 16th. These trucks held humanitarian assistance such as food, water, medical supplies, and other relief items.

Prior to the beginning of the ongoing conflict on October 7th, over 500 trucks transported humanitarian assistance into Gaza daily.

Source: news.un.org