Faith Nyasuguta
Morocco has delivered its third major humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip, following direct orders from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who also serves as Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. The 180-ton shipment, which entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, brings essential relief including food supplies, infant formula, tents, blankets, surgical tools, and life-saving medications.
This latest initiative demonstrates Morocco’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the region’s recent history.
The aid is being distributed by the Palestinian Red Crescent, reaching some of Gaza’s most devastated areas such as Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Nusseirat, Al-Bureij, and Al-Maghazi. Additional deliveries are expected to reach northern Gaza, where the situation remains dire. The shipment was coordinated by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, a humanitarian branch of the Al-Quds Committee, ensuring the aid reached its destination through a ground route – avoiding the risks associated with airdrops and allowing for more structured and effective distribution.
Gratitude from the ground has been heartfelt. A Gaza resident, speaking to reporters, said, “We sincerely thank the Moroccans for standing with us. Their sustained aid deliveries – especially the medicines – provide crucial relief. Moroccans have shown exceptional generosity and solidarity.” This sentiment reflects how deeply appreciated Morocco’s role has become among Palestinians enduring the hardships of war and isolation.
Morocco’s aid comes at a time when several other countries have ramped up their own humanitarian efforts. In recent weeks, Jordan, the UAE, France, and the UK have carried out targeted airdrops into Gaza using military aircraft, attempting to navigate severe access restrictions. These international efforts are growing as the humanitarian situation in Gaza becomes increasingly catastrophic, with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
However, delivering aid in Gaza is not without danger. Since May, reports suggest Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 Palestinians who were trying to access humanitarian supplies. This alarming statistic has increased global pressure on Israel to allow unhindered aid access, even as more aid convoys and airdrops are planned by the international community.
Beyond relief, Morocco’s actions also reflect a broader strategy of humanitarian diplomacy. As the largest financial contributor to the Al-Quds Committee – an arm of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – Morocco continues to reinforce its leadership in Islamic solidarity and advocacy for the Palestinian cause. These humanitarian missions also serve to counter criticism of Morocco’s normalization of ties with Israel by reaffirming Rabat’s firm commitment to Palestinian welfare and sovereignty.
This is not Morocco’s first humanitarian response to the Gaza crisis. In March 2024, the kingdom delivered 40 tons of medical supplies via Israel’s Ben Gurion airport. Additional missions followed in June. Morocco has also supported long-term projects in East Jerusalem, including King Hassan II College and the Crescent Hospital, illustrating its sustained investment in Palestinian lives and infrastructure.
As Gaza’s crisis continues to worsen, Morocco’s third convoy stands as a powerful symbol of compassion, leadership, and strategic support. With more international aid efforts expected in the coming weeks, Morocco’s land-based humanitarian model could serve as a template for safe, impactful intervention that upholds the dignity of the people it aims to help.
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