Iraqi Red Crescent Society prepares over 340 tons of aid for Gaza

NEWSROOM – The Iraqi Red Crescent Society has detailed its efforts to send over 340 tons of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to Gaza, backed by the Iraqi government. The aid package consists of approximately 300 tons of food and 40 tons of medical resources, prepared to be transported through Jordan and Egypt.

Trucks loaded with these supplies will depart from the Karmah region in Anbar Province, heading to Jordan’s Aqaba Port. From there, the cargo will be transferred to Egypt via the Nuweiba Port, concluding its journey at the Rafah border crossing. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Red Crescent Societies of Jordan and Egypt.

Earlier in January, the Iraqi Red Crescent confirmed it had sent 25 tons of food and other relief items to Palestinians, facilitated by the Hussainiya Shrine donations and delivered via Iraqi Air Force aircraft to El Arish Airport in Egypt. These provisions were then handed over to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Last December, the organization orchestrated its ninth delivery of aid to the Egyptian Red Crescent, which subsequently transferred the assistance to the Palestinian Red Crescent through the Rafah crossing.

The food crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by an Israeli blockade – intensified since Hamas mounted a surprise incursion into Israel last October that killed 100s of Israelis – limiting imports essential for local food production. Despite Israel’s assertion that it continues to permit the entry of food and humanitarian supplies, there have been challenges in distribution within Gaza. According to some reports, over 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza so far.

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Baghdad, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society is dedicated to providing medical and humanitarian assistance. The organization also focuses on training volunteers in first aid techniques.

The Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not under Israeli control, is managed by Egypt. It plays a crucial role in the delivery of humanitarian aid. This crossing remains the only logistical route for Iraq’s aid delivery to Gaza. Though a temporary port built by U.S. armed forces on the Gaza coast is set to commence operations as early as this weekend, according to press reports.