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Key Facts

  • âś“ Angelina Jolie visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on January 2.
  • âś“ The visit occurred three days after Israel announced a ban on 37 NGOs, including MSF and Oxfam, operating in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • âś“ Jolie's objective was to show solidarity with Palestinians and assess the flow of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
  • âś“ The Gaza Strip has been devastated by an Israeli offensive that began in October 2023.

Quick Summary

Angelina Jolie made a surprise visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Friday, January 2. The American actress traveled to the region to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to monitor humanitarian efforts.

The visit took place just three days after the Israeli government announced a decision to block 37 non-governmental organizations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank. Organizations affected include Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Oxfam. Jolie's trip focused on assessing the situation of Palestinians moved to Egypt for medical care and reviewing the delivery of aid to the devastated enclave.

Surprise Visit to Rafah Crossing

The 50-year-old actress arrived unexpectedly at the border crossing that connects the Gaza Strip with Egypt. Reports from Egyptian and Israeli media confirmed her presence at the location on January 2. The crossing point remains closed by Israel, limiting movement and aid access.

Jolie's presence at the border serves as a gesture of support for the GazatĂ­es. Her itinerary included observing the conditions of those seeking refuge and medical attention across the border. The timing of the visit highlights the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Context of NGO Ban đźš«

The actress's arrival followed a significant policy shift by the Israeli government. On Tuesday, officials announced that starting in January, 37 organizations would be barred from operating in Palestinian territories. This decision impacts major international aid groups providing critical services.

Among the organizations facing the ban are:

The ban on these groups coincides with the ongoing offensive that started in October 2023, which has left the Gaza Strip in a state of devastation.

Humanitarian Assessment 🏥

According to reports, the primary goal of the visit was to evaluate the status of Palestinians evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment. The actress and activist sought to examine the logistics of moving injured patients out of the conflict zone.

Furthermore, Jolie aimed to review the flow of aid entering the besieged enclave. With the Israeli offensive causing widespread destruction, the assessment of humanitarian corridors remains vital for the survival of the local population.

Conclusion

The visit by Angelina Jolie underscores the critical nature of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. By physically appearing at the Rafah crossing, she highlighted the urgent need for medical support and aid access. As the region faces a halt in operations from key NGOs, international attention remains focused on the welfare of the Palestinian people.