A Surprise Visit to the Rafah Checkpoint
Hollywood actor and filmmaker Angelina Jolie made a surprise visit to the Rafah checkpoint in the Gaza Strip. This visit took place on the 2nd, where she was seen on the Egyptian side of the checkpoint. During her time there, Jolie engaged in discussions with officials from the Red Crescent Society and drivers who were responsible for transporting humanitarian aid supplies.
Checking on the Condition of the Injured and Aid Deliveries
Jolie’s visit was reported to be aimed at assessing the condition of Palestinian injured individuals who had been transferred to Egypt. She also reviewed the status of aid supply deliveries. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and former UNHCR special envoy, Jolie has long been involved in humanitarian efforts. CNN noted that Jolie visited the Rafah border checkpoint as aid groups in Gaza faced the threat of being halted by Israel.
New Regulations and Their Impact
Israel implemented new regulations the day before Jolie’s visit, which restricted access to Gaza and the West Bank for dozens of humanitarian aid groups. These regulations required aid group staff to submit personal information. Failure to comply would result in their qualifications being suspended from January 1 of this year, forcing them to halt activities within 60 days. It was reported that 37 groups, including Oxfam, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), ActionAid, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and the Norwegian Refugee Council, failed to meet these requirements.
In response to these developments, several countries urged Israel to ensure the continued operation of the UN and NGOs in Gaza and the West Bank. The foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in a joint statement.
Humanitarian Focus and Statements from Jolie
A spokesperson from Jolie’s side stated that the visit was made on a humanitarian basis. Following her trip to the checkpoint, Jolie was reported to have met with Palestinian and Sudanese refugee families in Egypt.
In a statement, Jolie shared her experiences, saying, “I spoke with humanitarian organizations doing their best to overcome the constraints and difficulties of delivering necessary relief supplies to Gaza.” She also mentioned touring a large warehouse filled with rejected items, most of which were medical supplies.
Jolie emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The needs are clear. The ceasefire must be maintained, and access must be urgently expanded to ensure that aid supplies, fuel, and essential medical equipment can move swiftly and consistently in the required quantities, safely and continuously.” Her visit highlighted the critical importance of maintaining open channels for humanitarian aid in the region.
