A convoy of trucks carrying vital aid finally began crossing into Gaza on Sunday, ending months of waiting for Egyptian drivers who had been stationed at the border since the start of the recent conflict.
The drivers, many of whom had spent months living in their trucks, expressed relief and a sense of accomplishment as they delivered much-needed food, medical supplies, and fuel to the war-torn Palestinian territory.
The journey has been fraught with challenges, with drivers witnessing the devastating effects of the conflict firsthand.
“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 trucker from the Nile delta.
The drivers described the intense fear and anxiety experienced during the conflict, with many recalling the constant shelling and the desperate pleas of those trapped within Gaza.
Despite the hardships, the drivers expressed a sense of duty and a commitment to helping the people of Gaza.
“We would do anything we can to help our Palestinian brothers, we would give our lives if we could, but all we can do is drive our cargo,” said Saad Ismail Rakha, a driver who has been delivering aid to Gaza for years.
This humanitarian effort highlights the critical role played by these drivers in providing essential aid to a population in dire need.