Singapore aid groups face Gaza delivery bottlenecks despite 200 daily trucks

Singapore's SG for Humanity network is seeking to improve last-mile aid delivery, the final leg to recipients, into Gaza, where about 200 trucks cross daily, Channel NewsAsia said in a Saturday news report.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad said on Nov. 13 that the flow had improved but was constrained at roughly one-third of a stated 600-truck maximum capacity.

The new network links Singapore's government, humanitarian organisations and community donors with partners in the Middle East. Its initial partners are Humanity Matters, Mercy Relief, Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation and the Singapore Red Cross.

Zaqy, speaking from Egypt during a visit that also took him to Saudi Arabia, said individual organisations can struggle with logistics, approvals and operating protocols when moving aid into Gaza. He visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Red Crescent's logistics centre and the Palestine Hospital.

“Although the maximum capacity could go up to 600, but so far the flow is limited, constrained, but there's still movement. So that gives us a bit of positive hope,” Zaqy said of the truck traffic into Gaza.

He said local partners in Egypt could help Singapore groups understand what is feasible on the ground. “They are able to advise us as well, and they are reliable partners in terms of getting us access and ensuring that our help is able to get through,” he said.

Singapore's effort is shifting beyond fundraising toward delivery and operational coordination. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and SG for Humanity said Zaqy's engagements would inform the next phase of support, including possible food and healthcare assistance during the winter months.

The financial commitments remain significant for Singapore's humanitarian sector. The Singapore Red Cross and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation presented the Egyptian Red Crescent with cheques totalling almost S$1 million, or US$776,000, to support its work, Channel NewsAsia reported.

Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation also gave more than S$754,000 under an earlier June agreement to support children and families in Gaza and displaced families in Egypt. The foundation plans a fundraising campaign later this year targeting at least S$1.5 million for food, water, sanitation, medical supplies, learning spaces and psychosocial support.

The Singapore Red Cross will add S$200,000 to its continuing response with the Egyptian Red Crescent, bringing its total commitment to S$958,000. Since October 2023, Singapore's government, humanitarian groups and community donors have contributed more than S$25 million for people affected by the Gaza crisis.

Mercy Relief plans to provide hot meals, food parcels and livelihood support to 7,800 people in Gaza from November 2026 to February 2027. It also plans weekly hot meals for 850 children and teachers in four temporary learning spaces, using food sourced from local farmers and women's groups.

Humanity Matters will distribute lightweight winterised blankets to displaced Gazan patients and caregivers at the Palestine Hospital, as well as tents and tarpaulins for people affected by winter flooding.

Zaqy said immediate medical support would probably require specialists in fields still being discussed. He also said more Singapore doctors and volunteers had shown interest in joining humanitarian work, particularly through Singapore-led missions.

Source: news report, Channel NewsAsia, Nov. 14.