Guterres from Rafah crossing: Aid trucks need to move to Gaza promptly
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The media official at Rafah reports that the crossing has been shelled three times by Israeli forces in the past few days.
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Policemen stand at Rafah crossing port, Egypt, as a humanitarian aid convoy for the Gaza Strip is parked Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 (AP)
Aid trucks need to move to Gaza as quickly as possible, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
He called for a meaningful number of trucks to enter Gaza every day and for verifications of aid to be done in a way that is practical and expedited.
"We are actively engaging with all parties to make sure conditions for delivering aid are lifted," he said.
Meanwhile, the media official at the Rafah border crossing, Wael Abu Mohsen, confirmed in a statement to Al Mayadeen Net that there are ongoing arrangements to fully reopen the crossing in preparation for the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
He explained that machinery and equipment had arrived from the Egyptian gate this morning, and cement walls were removed, adding that the renovation of the streets and passages, which were subjected to Israeli shelling three times in recent days, has begun.
There have been calls in several countries urging people to head to occupied #Palestine to aid #Gazans who are suffering from Israeli aggression and a brutal complete siege. This footage shows #Iraqis reaching the #Jordanian border.#Iraq #Jordan#GazaUnderAttack… pic.twitter.com/YldYqvXxkN
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 20, 2023
Al Mayadeen's correspondent had reported earlier that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived at the Egyptian airport of El Arish.
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It was reported earlier today that supplies, including food, medication, water purification equipment, hygiene items, and blankets, have been accumulating at El Arish airport in Egypt's Sinai region. The airport even expanded its capacity by opening an additional landing strip to manage the influx of aid deliveries.
CNN had reported yesterday that the Rafah Crossing, which is crucial for aid transport, is unlikely to open on Friday as initially anticipated for the first aid convoy.
During a visit to Cairo, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for "rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access" following alarming alerts regarding the consequences of the prolonged Israeli blockade.
Just a few months ago, this #Palestinian teenager's happiness was over the roof as he was celebrating his graduation. Today, this same Palestinian #Gazan found himself crying over his cousin's dead body who was murdered by the Israeli occupiers.#Palestine #GazaUnderAttack… pic.twitter.com/FBNypBGEzN
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 20, 2023
Guterres said the Rafah crossing and El Arish airport "are not only critical, they are our only hope" and "the lifelines" for the people of Gaza.
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