Israeli forces launched a fierce assault on southern Gaza overnight and into Tuesday, resulting in the death of 22 people in the city of Rafah, according to health authorities. The ongoing violence has led to a halt in aid distribution to Gazans due to the intensity of the hostilities. The United Nations is warning that half of Gaza’s population is facing starvation, with limited aid distributions occurring in some areas. However, in other parts of Gaza, aid distribution has largely ceased as a result of the ongoing conflict and restrictions on movement along main roads.
Residents in cities such as Rafah and Khan Younis are facing increasing challenges in finding food and basic necessities for their families. A father of six in Rafah described the dire situation to Reuters, explaining that the bombing and shelling have made it difficult to sleep at night and that the lack of food is leading to starvation among the population.
The U.N. World Food Programme has highlighted the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, with the humanitarian office stating that the distribution of aid has largely stopped due to the intensity of the fighting and logistical constraints. The situation is compounded by a shortage of trucks, fuel, and communication outages, which are hindering the delivery of vital supplies to those in need.
The battle taking place in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with the health ministry reporting that over 18,000 people have been killed and nearly 50,000 wounded. The U.S. veto of a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire has further exacerbated the situation, drawing global attention to the crisis.
The ongoing conflict has prompted international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel recently announced new measures, including a screening process at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, aimed at facilitating the delivery of aid to the region. The United States, Israel, and Egypt have reached a new agreement to implement inspections at the border in an effort to increase the flow of aid to Gaza.
As the conflict continues, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledging Israel’s difficulty while reiterating his unwavering support for the country. The U.N. General Assembly is expected to consider a draft resolution reflecting global concerns about the crisis in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a sustainable solution to address the evolving crisis. As the violence persists, the international community is called upon to urgently address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.