CAIRO (FN) — Angelina Jolie visited Egypt’s Rafah border crossing Friday, urging urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians trapped in Gaza.
Jolie arrived with an American delegation on the Egyptian side of the crossing, where she met aid workers, Red Crescent volunteers and truck drivers waiting to deliver supplies. She also visited hospitals in Arish, speaking with Palestinians wounded in the conflict and receiving treatment outside the enclave.
Her visit underscored the mounting humanitarian crisis at Rafah, Gaza’s only gateway not controlled by Israel. Hundreds of trucks carrying food, medicine and shelter materials remain stalled, awaiting clearance to enter. Jolie said delays in aid delivery were costing lives and called for immediate action to ensure relief reaches those in need.
The actress and humanitarian advocate emphasized that access to aid must be prioritized over political disputes. She warned that the longer civilians are cut off from assistance, the deeper the suffering will become.
Jolie’s presence at Rafah drew global attention to the plight of Gaza’s residents, many of whom face shortages of basic necessities amid ongoing bombardments and displacement. Her appeal added a high‑profile voice to calls from humanitarian organizations demanding safe corridors and unrestricted aid flow.
The visit highlighted the role of international figures in amplifying humanitarian concerns. Jolie’s advocacy has long focused on refugees and displaced populations, and her trip to Rafah reinforced her commitment to spotlighting crises often overshadowed by political conflict.
Egyptian officials said they welcomed her visit, noting that it brought renewed urgency to the situation at the crossing. Aid groups echoed her concerns, stressing that the bottleneck at Rafah has become a symbol of the broader struggle to deliver relief in war zones.
Jolie’s remarks are expected to intensify pressure on governments and international bodies to act swiftly. Observers say her intervention could help galvanize public opinion and push policymakers toward easing restrictions on humanitarian convoys.
Her trip comes as Gaza’s humanitarian needs continue to escalate, with hospitals overwhelmed, shelters overcrowded and families struggling to survive. The Rafah crossing remains a critical lifeline, but one that has been choked by bureaucracy and political disputes.
Jolie’s call for urgent aid reflects a growing consensus among humanitarian leaders that the crisis cannot wait. She urged immediate steps to protect civilians and ensure that relief reaches those most vulnerable.
The visit ended with Jolie reiterating her message: humanitarian access must not be delayed, and the world must act now to prevent further suffering in Gaza.
