Israel’s assertion of authority in border zone could escalate tensions with Egypt

The Gaza Strip is facing a dire humanitarian crisis as conditions worsen due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Aid officials have reported that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, with the military campaign in Rafah causing massive displacement and destruction of essential services.

Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, expressed concern over the worsening conditions in Gaza, stating that conditions are now worse than ever before. Despite the escalating crisis, senior members of the Biden administration have indicated that the United States will not change its policy on arming Israel at this time.

The intensification of the conflict has had a devastating impact on medical workers and humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that two of its medics were killed in an Israeli strike, bringing the total number of staff members and volunteers killed to 19. The International Committee of the Red Crescent described the situation as a grim reality for medical workers, who face death and exhaustion on a daily basis.

The fighting in Rafah has not only resulted in a significant drop in aid deliveries but has also led to the closure of hospitals and clinics, forcing health care facilities to relocate. The closure of the border crossing with Egypt has further hindered aid shipments into the enclave, with deliveries dropping by 67 percent since the start of the Israeli campaign in Rafah.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 53 people were killed in the previous 24 hours as heavy fighting continued in Rafah and on the outskirts of Gaza City. Videos taken by residents in Jabaliya showed widespread destruction, highlighting the daily struggle for civilians and aid workers seeking safety.

Displaced Palestinians in the Tal al-Sultan district of Rafah have gathered near makeshift camps, while a strike on a refugee camp in the same district resulted in the deaths of 45 people. Confusion and fear have intensified among civilians and aid workers following strikes in Al Mawasi, which killed 21 people.

Israel has designated certain areas as “humanitarian zones” for evacuating Gazans, but reports suggest that the instructions provided through leaflets and social media posts have been unclear. Some civilians have not received the information, while others have found the directions confusing, leading to challenges in following the guidelines.

The unreliable mobile networks in Gaza have further complicated efforts by aid groups to communicate with their staff and provide assistance to those in need. The chaos and panic among residents have made it difficult to navigate the situation, with many interpreting the leaflets as a sign of impending danger.

As the crisis in Gaza deepens, humanitarian organizations continue to work tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict. The international community must come together to address the urgent needs of the people in Gaza and work towards a lasting solution to the ongoing violence.