Israel’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts for Gazan Civilians

Since October 21st, 2023, the IDF, via COGAT, has facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing. This aid is designated for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

Let’s talk numbers (accurate as of May 15, 2024):

• 531,160 tons of humanitarian aid have been transferred to Gaza. 

Including:

• 380,550 tons of food
• 33,900 tons of water
• 23,110 tons of medical supplies
• 59,600 tons of shelter supplies
• 23,110 tons of mixed supplies

Other humanitarian initiatives are currently being planned in coordination with international partners.

That’s 27,000+ trucks carrying humanitarian aid that have gone into Gaza, and countless more continue to go in every single day.

The humanitarian aid is routed through Egypt and forwarded to Israeli security screenings. From there, it is sent to Gaza via the Rafah crossing, located in southern Gaza. Prior to entering Gaza, the trucks are inspected by Israeli security forces to ensure that no weapons or materials that could be used for military purposes by the Hamas terrorist organization enter Gaza. 

The security measures taken to inspect the aid are essential, as there have been many past cases in which weapons, ammunition and explosives were smuggled into Gaza under the guise of humanitarian aid.

We want to assist the civilians in Gaza as much as possible; in order to do that, we must make sure no military equipment that can be used for terrorist purposes enters Gaza. Hamas does not hesitate to abuse Gazans, exploit them, steal aid from them, and forcefully prevent them from evacuating when it is necessary for them to do so. The IDF is simply trying to ensure Hamas' terrorist operatives don't have the means to carry out these inhumane acts against their own civilians.

Israel is at war with Hamas, not the people of Gaza.

The IDF and COGAT will continue to conduct daily assessments with international aid organizations operating in Gaza to review the situation and respond to the needs on the ground.

For more information from COGAT regarding humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, visit https://govextra.gov.il/cogat/humanitarian-efforts/home/