A humanitarian crisis looms in Gaza as Egypt accuses Israel of obstructing the delivery of essential aid and the evacuation of foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing.
The Rafah crossing, which serves as a critical lifeline for much-needed supplies into the beleaguered Palestinian enclave, remains inoperable due to Israeli air strikes on the Gaza side.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation, stressing the urgency to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. He noted that diplomatic talks with Israel had failed to produce any fruitful results.
Shoukry stated, “Until now, the Israeli government has not taken a position on opening the Rafah crossing from the Gaza side to allow the entrance of assistance and exit of citizens of third countries.”
More than 2 million Gazans have been living under a prolonged siege, a consequence of Israel’s intense bombardment and blockade in retaliation for attacks by Hamas Islamist militants.
In a surprising turn of events, two Egyptian security sources claimed that a ceasefire agreement in southern Gaza, set to last several hours, was reached for Monday morning to facilitate aid delivery and evacuations at Rafah. However, Israel swiftly denied these claims, stating, “There is currently no truce and humanitarian aid in Gaza in exchange for getting foreigners out.”
Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq corroborated Israel’s position.
On the ground at Rafah, sources reported no bombardments on Monday, with the Egyptian side of the crossing ready to operate. Egypt’s aim is to allow a normal flow through the crossing, accommodating Palestinians seeking medical treatment or regular travel.
Meanwhile, hundreds of tonnes of aid from various non-governmental organizations and several countries remained stranded on trucks in the nearby Egyptian town of Al-Arish, awaiting conditions that would allow their entry into Gaza.
Separately, Reuters video footage captured U.N.-flagged fuel trucks appearing to leave Gaza for Egypt through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing. The situation in Gaza remains precarious as humanitarian aid remains stalled, and the population endures an ongoing blockade.
