The Egyptian foreign ministry says the Viva Palestina aid convoy to the Gaza Strip must go through the Mediterranean port of El Arish.

The decision delays the arrival of much needed goods, while criticism continues over its closed border with the territory.

The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt is the only crossing point into Gaza not subject to Israel's blockade.

In the past Egypt has helped Palestinians in need to cross the border from Palestine.

However, during Israel's offensive on the strip at the end of 2008, it would only allow medical supplies in and casualties of war out.

The debate surrounding Cairo's policy is continuing, as Al Jazeera's Rawya Rageh reports.