Egyptian truck drivers finally deliver aid to Gaza after months of waiting

For months, Egyptian truck drivers have been living in their vehicles, stuck in limbo, waiting to deliver urgently needed aid to the people of Gaza.

On Sunday morning, they finally achieved their mission.

"For months, we've been eating, sleeping, and showering in our trucks, just waiting for the moment we're told we can go in," said Essam Desouky, a truck driver from Al-Mahalla Al-Kubra told AFP.

At least 630 trucks carrying food, fuel, clothing, medical supplies, and more entered Gaza on Sunday, according to a UN official cited by CNN. Under the six-week ceasefire agreement, a minimum of 600 aid trucks are permitted to enter Gaza daily.

Before proceeding, the trucks undergo inspections by Egyptian authorities and must then receive approval from Israeli officials to continue into Gaza.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire. After 16 months of relentless bombardment, hospitals are barely operational, with approximately 70% of water and sanitation infrastructure destroyed. Famine, severe cold, and disease have claimed countless lives.

The arrival of these trucks marks a critical first step toward rebuilding some sense of normalcy.

After unloading their cargo, the truck drivers reportedly honked their horns and waved peace signs in celebration.

"We would do anything to help our Palestinian brothers. We would even give our lives if we could, but all we can do is deliver our cargo," said a 63-year-old Egyptian driver with family ties to Gaza, speaking to AFP.