Thousands flocked to the Wadi Degla Reserve on the outskirts of Cairo on Friday to participate in 'Run for Gaza', a marathon event organised to raise money and collect donations for the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Footage shows runners of all ages taking on the desert marathon, which reportedly saw as many as 10,000 participants.

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Kabbaj attended the event and called on the international community to work together to bring an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting in Gaza.

"We appeal to the whole world to avoid double standards in terms of human rights,” the minister said.

“It is shameful to witness that human rights are wasted to this extent, and international conventions are boldly violated,” she continued.

According to local reports, all proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing humanitarian aid, which will be loaded into a convoy of trucks bound for the Gaza Strip.

"I wanted to help Gaza, as soon as I found the opportunity to participate in a marathon like this, I took advantage of it and participated to send my help to our brothers there," a runner said.

“We are here to help people with our money and with our joy. it is good. It is very good to be here to run for Gaza. I am so happy,” added a second.

Fighting continues in Gaza during the fifth month of the Israel-Hamas war. Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200, according to Israeli officials.

Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas.

Palestinian officials reported that at least 28,000 people had been killed at the time of publication. The IDF has repeatedly stated that it is targeting Hamas locations and infrastructure in the enclave. United Nations experts have warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza.