(MENAFN) Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel visited the Rafah border crossing from the Egyptian side on Tuesday, voicing optimism that U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan will help reopen the terminal and ease the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

According to reports, van Weel toured the crossing where thousands of aid trucks, loaded with medical and food supplies, have been waiting for clearance to enter the enclave. During his visit, he was briefed by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer and officials from the Red Crescent on the dire humanitarian situation facing Gaza’s population.

Speaking to reporters at the crossing, van Weel expressed “deep concern” over deteriorating conditions in Gaza and praised Egypt’s role in facilitating the entry of relief supplies and medical evacuations. He said he hoped Trump’s initiative would “improve conditions on the ground and fully reopen the crossing from the Palestinian side to allow a smoother flow of aid.”

The Dutch minister began his visit by reviewing humanitarian logistics and aid delivery operations at the Rafah crossing, according to Egypt’s state-run media. His itinerary also includes stops at El Arish General Hospital—where wounded Palestinians are being treated—and at logistics hubs near El Arish Airport. Reports indicate that the airport has received over 1,030 aid flights delivering more than 27,000 tons of supplies since the war began two years ago.

El Arish port has also handled numerous shipments carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian goods, which are stored in warehouses before being transported overland to the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings for distribution inside Gaza.

Earlier the same day, van Weel described Trump’s proposal as a “historic opportunity” to bring an end to the war in Gaza during a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

The visit coincided with indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt’s Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh, where negotiators are seeking to finalize a ceasefire and prisoner exchange under the framework of Trump’s plan.

Announced on September 29, the 20-point proposal calls for the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas has reportedly accepted the plan in principle.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave, leading to widespread displacement, starvation, and outbreaks of disease.

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