Angelina Jolie, the Hollywood star and humanitarian, made a visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Friday. Her presence highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and she expressed her support for aid initiatives designed to assist civilians caught in the conflict.
Jolie, who previously served as a special envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, arrived with a U.S. delegation. They met with volunteers from various international and local non-governmental organizations working in the area. She also spoke with the drivers of humanitarian aid trucks, who informed her that hundreds of vehicles were still waiting for clearance to enter Gaza.
Later, the actress visited Al-Arish General Hospital in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where she met with wounded Palestinians who were receiving medical care.
After her visit, Jolie described the accounts she heard from wounded civilians as "beyond description," commending the medical personnel for their seemingly heroic efforts in the face of adversity.
A U.S. State Department official who was also present explained that the purpose of the trip was to evaluate immediate needs and ensure that aid distribution matched the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis, especially with winter's approach.
Since the attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel has mostly kept the Rafah crossing closed to people, permitting only a restricted amount of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
Rights organizations contend that the existing aid is woefully inadequate to address the needs of civilians.
The crossing has transformed into a significant flashpoint between Egypt and Israel, given the continuing conflict, particularly after Israel's suggestions concerning population relocation, control of border routes, and the future governance of Rafah.
Israeli media outlets recently indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump had come to an agreement to reopen the crossing on both sides, though no official announcement has been made.
