As southern Gaza prepares to receive a third batch of aid, Egyptian authorities evacuated the Rafah crossing with the Palestinian enclave today, Monday, October 23, 2023.

Eyewitnesses reported today, Monday, that authorities evacuated the Egyptian side of the crossing from civilians and removed the tents where volunteers were helping to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, in order to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, a responsible Egyptian security source confirmed that the area in front of the crossing was cleared of civilians for fear of them being injured by shrapnel resulting from the continuous bombing by the occupation on the Palestinian side of Rafah city, according to the Arab World News Agency.

This comes as a new batch of aid entered the enclave, comprising about 20 trucks, according to what a correspondent for Al Arabiya/Al Hadath reported, who added that those trucks were carrying medical supplies and food items, in addition to water.

Another 20 trucks carrying humanitarian and food aid entered Gaza via Rafah last Saturday, followed by 14 trucks yesterday, and the third batch today.

An official from the Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed to AFP that "34 humanitarian trucks have been delivered in two batches through the crossing over the past two days."