UN Warns Food Supplies in Rafah Will Run Out Tomorrow, Causing Panic Due to Shortages in Israel-Gaza

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel has “no choice” but to destroy Hamas as tensions escalate in the region. The United Nations has issued a warning that food supplies in the southern Gaza region, where Israel is planning a ground offensive, will run out imminently, causing panic among the community.

The shortages in food supplies have been exacerbated by Israel’s closure of two crossings in the south through which humanitarian aid was being transported into Gaza. Israeli forces have blocked these crossings ahead of their planned ground offensive in Rafah. Leaflets were dropped earlier today, instructing Palestinians in certain areas of Rafah to evacuate before the attack.

Louise Wateridge, a communications officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) based in Rafah, expressed concern over the lack of food, stating that it is causing panic among the already struggling community. She highlighted the dire situation, explaining that people are fighting for survival every day and the closure of border crossings has cut off their access to essential aid.

Residents in Rafah shared their harrowing experiences, with one woman, Zakia Issa, describing the fear and desperation they are facing. Another resident, Maysar Abu Ghoura, expressed the psychological and physical toll the situation has taken on them and their families.

The UN has estimated that more than 300,000 Palestinians have been affected by the evacuation orders issued by Israel, covering both the northern and southern regions of Gaza. The ongoing military bombardment has left residents feeling trapped and fearful, with danger looming from all sides.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the UN has warned that food supplies will run out in the southern region by tomorrow. Georgios Petropoulos, head of the Gaza office for the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the urgent need for access to fuel, supplies, and humanitarian aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

The escalating violence in Gaza has led to a high number of casualties, with thousands killed and wounded since the conflict began. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to be provided to the affected population.

As tensions rise and the humanitarian crisis worsens, the world is watching closely to see how the situation in Gaza unfolds and whether efforts can be made to de-escalate the conflict and provide much-needed aid to the vulnerable population.