Egypt's Al-Azhar, the world's foremost institution of Sunni Islamic learning, sent medical convoys through the Rafah border to the Gaza Strip on Sunday to “ease the burdens on Palestinians” there, Al-Ahram reported. Palestinians in the strip have been actively demonstrating for their right of return to their homes in territory now occupied by Israel since March; Israeli forces have killed more than 100 protesters and injured thousands since the Great Return March began. Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb has instructed that the convoys be sent immediately to “the brotherly country” Al-Ahram reported. The convoys are carrying about 10 tons of medical supplies needed for emergency departments and surgical operations. El-Tayyeb stressed the importance of providing all the support and help to Palestinians in Gaza. Egypt has also been sending aid and medical convoys to Gaza through the Rafah crossing border in recent weeks. On the first day of Ramadan, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the opening of the Rafah border for the entire month. The Rafah border crossing is the main gateway to the outside world for 1.8 million Palestinians living in the besieged Gaza Strip.
