In Rafah, Gaza Strip, the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza reopened on Saturday. This allowed a limited amount of much-needed aid to enter the besieged Palestinian territory for the first time since Israel sealed it off and initiated airstrikes in response to Hamas’ actions two weeks ago. Only 20 trucks were permitted to enter, which aid workers considered insufficient to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. More than 200 trucks loaded with 3,000 tons of aid have been waiting nearby for several days.
The 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, half of whom have been displaced from their homes, are rationing their food and consuming contaminated water. Hospitals are struggling with depleting medical supplies and fuel for emergency generators due to a widespread power outage. Five hospitals have ceased operations due to fuel shortages and damage from bombings, as reported by the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
In dire circumstances, doctors have resorted to using sewing needles for stitching wounds and have employed vinegar as a disinfectant until supplies ran out. With anesthesia in short supply, the agonizing screams of patients have become a harrowing backdrop to surgical procedures.
Doctors Without Borders has sounded the alarm, declaring that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
In the meantime, Gaza’s Hamas-run Interior Ministry reported heavy Israeli airstrikes across the territory overnight into Sunday, even in the southern areas where Israel had instructed Palestinians to seek refuge. The ministry noted that some of the sites targeted included homes and a cafe within the evacuation zone where dozens of displaced residents had taken shelter. the border crossing
It’s important to mention that Israel’s military has stated its intention to target Hamas members and installations and does not aim to target civilians.