Angelina Jolie Highlights Gaza Humanitarian Crisis at Rafah Crossing
Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie made a significant visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing into Gaza on Friday, January 2, 2026. Accompanied by an American delegation and welcomed by Egyptian officials, including Khaled Maghawer, Governor of North Sinai, and Nabila Makram, former Minister of Migration, Jolie's visit aimed to shed light on the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Engagement with Aid Workers and Assessment of Deliveries
During her visit, Jolie engaged directly with humanitarian workers, including members of the Red Crescent, and truck drivers responsible for ferrying aid. She expressed being 'honored' to meet the volunteers. A Red Crescent volunteer informed Jolie that 'thousands of aid trucks just waiting' at the border crossing, underscoring the severe bottlenecks in aid delivery. The purpose of her visit was to assess the aid deliveries and understand the challenges faced in getting essential supplies into Gaza.
Meeting Injured Palestinians and Future Initiatives
Jolie also extended her visit to Al-Arish General Hospital in Egypt, where she met with injured Palestinians receiving medical treatment. She received briefings from medical teams regarding the nature of injuries and the immense pressure on the healthcare system due to the continuous influx of patients from Gaza. Reports indicate that Jolie announced plans during her visit to establish a relief village for orphaned children in Gaza, aiming to provide shelter, healthcare, education, and psychological support to those who have lost family members.
Context of the Rafah Crossing
The Rafah border crossing, a critical gateway for humanitarian assistance, was reportedly set to reopen under a ceasefire in effect since October, but has largely remained closed. This closure has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, prompting Egypt and six other countries, including Saudi Arabia, to issue a joint statement on Friday. They 'urged the international community to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift the constraints on the entry and distribution of essential supplies' to Gaza. Jolie, who stepped down as a special envoy for the United Nations refugee agency at the end of 2022 after more than 20 years of service, has continued her focus on broader humanitarian issues.
5 Comments
Noir Black
So inspiring to see her dedication to helping those in need.
BuggaBoom
The article rightly points out the severe humanitarian crisis and the role of the Rafah crossing. While Jolie's efforts are positive, the joint statement from Egypt and others underscores that regional and international political will is the ultimate key to opening aid routes consistently.
KittyKat
A true humanitarian, highlighting the urgent need for aid.
Bermudez
Amazing! Her platform brings crucial attention to Gaza.
Mariposa
It's good that a high-profile figure is drawing attention to the suffering in Gaza and the aid bottlenecks. However, without addressing the security concerns and political blockades, aid efforts will always be a temporary fix.