As the latest Israel-Hamas ceasefire and captive exchange deal took effect Jan. 19, 2025, across the Gaza Strip, Egyptian photojournalist Hamada Elrasam reported from Egypt’s side of the Rafah border crossing, where hundreds of aid trucks lined up to cross into the territory devastated after 15 months of war with Israel. Captions written in collaboration with Elle Kurancid.
In photos: Hundreds of trucks deliver aid from Egypt to Gaza as ceasefire holds
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Mostafa, an Egyptian truck driver transporting life-sustaining chickpea shipments, says in Rafah, “I’ve been waiting to enter Gaza for a month. But, today (Jan. 19), I received good news: I’m on the list of trucks entering tomorrow.”
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Egyptian paramedics Bahgat, left, and Hany haven’t treated war wounds since Israel shut the Rafah crossing in Gaza in May. “There aren’t signs of casualties coming to Egypt today, but we must stay ready,” says Bahgat.
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Ahmed, an Egyptian aid truck driver, has been waiting 45 days to enter Gaza. Rafah’s reopening was delayed by a few hours Sunday due to a last-minute dispute between Hamas and Israel, who “continued shooting until 10:30 a.m.,” Ahmed says.
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Egyptian truck driver Ali, pictured in Rafah on Jan. 19, 2025, hauled bread to the Rafah crossing in May but met long wait times, so the donor said to "take the aid to a charity for Egypt’s poor.” The majority of Egyptians live in poverty or are vulnerable.
