Gaza Herald_Hollywood actor and longtime humanitarian advocate Angelina Jolie has carried out an official visit to Egypt’s Rafah Crossing, the only gateway connecting Gaza to the outside world, to assess humanitarian conditions and meet Palestinians displaced by Israel’s ongoing war on the besieged enclave.
According to reports, Jolie’s visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the realities facing Gaza’s population and to engage with humanitarian organizations operating along the border, as aid access to the Strip remains severely restricted.
Inspecting Aid Operations at the Border
During her visit on Friday, Jolie toured logistical warehouses run by the Egyptian Red Crescent, where humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza are stored and prepared for distribution. These warehouses have become a critical hub as Israel continues to control what little aid tightly is allowed to enter the territory.
Although Rafah lies on Egyptian soil, the crossing is currently under Israeli control, with strict limitations imposed on humanitarian convoys, worsening already catastrophic conditions inside Gaza.
Jolie was received by Major General Khaled Mujawer, Governor of North Sinai, and Ambassador Nabila Makram Obeid, head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work. Reports also noted the presence of a US State Department official during the visit.
Meeting the Wounded from Gaza
As part of her humanitarian mission, Jolie visited Al-Arish General Hospital, where many Palestinians injured in Israeli attacks are receiving treatment. Medical staff briefed her on the nature of the injuries and the immense strain placed on Egypt’s healthcare system due to the steady flow of wounded patients arriving from Gaza.
Doctors explained emergency treatment procedures and the coordination mechanisms used to transfer critical cases, highlighting the challenges posed by limited resources and the ongoing escalation of violence.
Egyptian media quoted medical teams expressing appreciation for Jolie’s visit, describing it as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinian victims. Governor Mujawer thanked her, saying the visit carried particular significance during “this very critical time.”
Voices from the Crossing
During the visit, Jolie also encountered aid workers and truck drivers waiting at Rafah. One driver reportedly addressed her with powerful words, expressing determination to continue delivering aid despite obstacles, reflecting the resilience of those supporting Gaza under extreme conditions.
Social media users circulated translated messages praising Jolie’s presence and emphasizing respect for Egyptian officials facilitating humanitarian efforts.
Uncertain Future for Rafah Crossing
Israeli media reported that Tel Aviv may reopen the Rafah crossing in both directions following pressure from US President Donald Trump, who raised the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, uncertainty remains over the scope and conditions of any reopening.
Despite provisions in the October 10 ceasefire agreement that were meant to allow the crossing to resume normal operations, Israel has stated it would only permit Palestinians to exit Gaza, not allow unrestricted humanitarian access into the territory.
As Gaza continues to face mass displacement, medical collapse, and severe shortages, Jolie’s visit underscores the growing international concern over Israel’s restrictions and the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to a population struggling to survive.
