RAFAH, GAZA STRIP — The southern Gaza city of Rafah faces an acute humanitarian crisis as food distribution has been suspended due to a lack of supplies and mounting insecurity, according to the United Nations (UN).
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, reported that its distribution center and a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse have become inaccessible amidst ongoing Israeli military operations against Hamas in eastern Rafah.
Since the onset of the Israeli military operation on May 6, approximately 810,000 of over a million people seeking refuge in Rafah have been displaced. This massive displacement exacerbates the already dire conditions in the area, where food and medical supplies are critically low.
UNRWA has highlighted that its health centers have not received medical supplies for the past ten days, worsening the healthcare situation. The recent escalation in conflict has led to significant disruption of essential services, including food distribution and medical care, further straining the humanitarian response.
The US has expressed concerns that none of the 569 tonnes of food and other aid delivered via a newly-constructed floating pier have reached Palestinian beneficiaries. On Saturday, desperate crowds intercepted several WFP trucks transporting aid from the pier to a warehouse in Deir al-Balah, leading to the suspension of deliveries. The WFP announced a pause in distribution as the UN devises new routes to prevent aid from being intercepted by crowds.
Hospitals Under Siege and Attack
Reports indicate that the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is under severe pressure, with hospitals directly affected by the conflict. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the largest partially functional hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia, was struck four times on Tuesday amid battles between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in the nearby Jabalia area.
Israeli military officials stated they are investigating reports from medical personnel at Kamal Adwan hospital, who claim that Israeli missiles hit the emergency department. This incident forced medical staff to evacuate patients onto the street, highlighting the dire situation faced by healthcare providers in the conflict zone.
Additionally, WHO reported that al-Awda hospital in Jabalia has been besieged since Sunday. Dozens of staff, patients, and their companions are trapped inside, unable to leave due to the ongoing fighting. This situation underscores the critical need for safe passage and protection for medical facilities and personnel in conflict zones.
International Response and Efforts for Aid Delivery
International organizations and aid agencies are urgently seeking solutions to resume the distribution of humanitarian aid and ensure the safety of civilians in Gaza. The UN is working on new strategies to deliver aid securely, bypassing the volatile areas where large crowds pose a risk to aid convoys.
Despite these efforts, the security situation remains precarious. Consequently, it complicates the delivery of much-needed assistance. The international community has called for immediate measures to allow the safe passage of humanitarian aid and protect civilians caught in the conflict.
The ongoing conflict has sparked widespread international concern. Consequently, there are calls for both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term solutions to address the root causes of the crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, the plight of the people in Rafah and across Gaza remains a pressing global issue.
The humanitarian crisis in Rafah, marked by the suspension of food distribution and attacks on medical facilities, illustrates the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians.
With hundreds of thousands displaced and essential services disrupted, urgent international intervention is required to alleviate the suffering of those affected and ensure the delivery of critical aid. The situation demands coordinated efforts to establish safe and secure routes for humanitarian assistance and the protection of vulnerable populations in Gaza.
