Dutch Diplomat at Rafah Crossing Amid Gaza Aid Crisis

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel conducted a site inspection at the Rafah border crossing from the Egyptian side on Tuesday. He voiced optimism that a plan from US President Donald Trump could lead to the terminal's full reopening, aiming to facilitate a greater flow of essential humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

During the tour, officials highlighted the severe backlog, where thousands of trucks carrying vital medical and food supplies remain stuck, awaiting permission to enter Gaza. The Dutch diplomat received detailed briefings from the North Sinai Governor and Red Crescent officials on the dire conditions within the Palestinian enclave. He expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis and acknowledged Egypt's efforts in coordinating aid and medical evacuations.

The minister's itinerary extended to key logistical centers supporting the relief effort. He visited El Arish General Hospital, which is treating injured Palestinians evacuated from Gaza. Furthermore, he inspected operations at El Arish Airport, a critical hub that has received over a thousand aid flights carrying tens of thousands of tons of supplies since the conflict escalated. Aid is also arriving via the El Arish port, with goods being stored before being transported to the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

The diplomatic visit coincided with a second day of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Sharm el-Sheikh. These talks, mediated by Egypt, focus on achieving a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange under the framework of Trump's 20-point proposal. The plan, which Hamas has agreed to in principle, includes a ceasefire, the release of captives and prisoners, and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza, amidst a devastating toll on the Palestinian population.