Overview
- Jolie traveled to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on January 2, meeting Egyptian Red Crescent volunteers and truck drivers waiting to move supplies.
- In a public statement, she said a large warehouse was filled with medical items denied entry and urged sustained, safe access with faster delivery of winter gear and critical equipment.
- AFP, AP and local reports indicate she assessed conditions of Palestinians evacuated for treatment and visited patients at El Arish Hospital in North Sinai.
- The crossing remains effectively closed despite expectations under the ceasefire, as Egypt and six other countries called for international pressure on Israel to lift constraints on entry and distribution.
- Her visit coincided with Israel’s move to suspend operations of aid groups that have not renewed registration and to require staff details, measures relief agencies say jeopardize safety and impede aid.