Crisis Deepens as Israel Hinders Aid and Evacuations in Gaza
Egypt highlights Israel's lack of cooperation in aiding Gaza, citing difficulties at the Rafah crossing. The intensifying siege has left Gaza without power, endangering essential services.
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Egypt has declared that Israel is not cooperating in the delivery of aid to Gaza and the evacuation of foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing, the only entry not entirely controlled by Israel. This lack of cooperation has resulted in hundreds of tonnes of supplies being stranded. Cairo contends that, although not officially closed, the Rafah crossing has become inoperable due to Israeli air strikes on the Gaza side.
As Israel's bombardment and siege of Gaza intensify, the 2.3 million residents of the territory are left without power, pushing essential services, such as health and water, to the brink of collapse. Fuel for hospital generators is running critically low. Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, emphasized the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, stating that talks with Israel have not been fruitful. The Rafah crossing from the Gaza side remains unopened for the entrance of assistance and exit of citizens of third countries, with the Israeli government yet to take a position on this matter.
Reports indicate that Israeli shelling hit the Rafah crossing area again on Monday, and the Egyptian side of the border appeared deserted, with aid supplies stockpiled in the nearby city of Al Arish. Gaza has been under siege since Israel's most intense bombardment and blockade, following a cross-border assault by Islamist Hamas militants on Oct. 7. The resultant displacement of hundreds of thousands within Gaza has created a complex situation, with some attempting to reach the Rafah crossing while others head back north after failing to find refuge.
Egypt, among others, opposes a mass exodus of Gaza residents, reflecting deep Arab fears that the ongoing conflict could lead to a new wave of permanent displacement for Palestinians. Egypt has called for a summit on the crisis, expected to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday, and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the escalation in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Shoukry expressed Egypt's aim to restore regular access through Rafah, accommodating Palestinians seeking medical treatment or normal travel. Despite earlier reports of a temporary ceasefire in southern Gaza to facilitate aid and evacuations at Rafah, a high-level source later stated that no truce had been agreed upon. Hundreds of tonnes of aid from NGOs and several countries are waiting in Al Arish for conditions to allow entry into Gaza, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
"We are waiting for the green light for the aid to enter, and dozens of volunteers are ready at any time," said a Red Crescent official in northern Sinai. The movement of goods and people through Rafah has been tightly controlled under the blockade of Gaza imposed by Israel.
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