The World Health Organization is facing a critical shortage of fuel for its medical operations in southern Gaza, with only three days' worth left. This scarcity has already led to the closure of one of the three remaining hospitals in Rafah due to lack of fuel. The situation is exacerbated by the closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt by Israel's military, hindering the entry of essential humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The United Nations has reported a dire humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, describing it as a 'full-blown famine.' Despite Israel reopening the Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for aid, no supplies have reached Gaza due to ongoing fighting and the absence of personnel to receive the aid on the Palestinian side.
The conflict in Gaza has displaced approximately 80% of the population, causing extensive destruction to residential buildings, hospitals, mosques, and schools in various cities. The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 34,500 individuals, as reported by local health authorities.
The war in Gaza commenced on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. Israel claims that militants are still holding about 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 individuals.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed two missile attacks in the Gulf of Aden, while Palestinians in Rafah are fleeing in panic following Israel's seizure of the border crossing. President Joe Biden has declared that the U.S. will not provide offensive weapons to Israel for an assault on Rafah, emphasizing the protection of the civilians sheltering in the area.
Furthermore, an Israeli airstrike in Rafah resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including four children, and left 25 others wounded. In a separate incident, an Israeli soldier was killed by a mortar launched from Lebanon, heightening tensions between the two countries. The Israeli military retaliated by striking Hezbollah military structures in southern Lebanon.
Additionally, Syrian state media reported an Israeli strike on a building in a Damascus suburb, causing damage but no casualties. The strike targeted Iran-backed fighters in the area. Meanwhile, the United Nations is in talks with Israeli and Egyptian authorities to resume fuel shipments to Gaza to sustain humanitarian operations.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its devastating impact on civilians in the region.
