Egypt Opens Border Crossing to Aid Gaza Amidst Conflict
Egypt's Rafah border crossing with Gaza was opened on Saturday, allowing a limited amount of much-needed aid into the Palestinian territory. This move comes two weeks after Israel initiated airstrikes and sealed off Gaza following Hamas' aggressive actions.
Only 20 trucks were permitted entry, a number deemed insufficient by aid workers, given the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Over 200 trucks, loaded with 3,000 tons of aid, have been on standby.
The situation in Gaza is dire. Of its 2.3 million residents, half have been displaced. Essential resources like food and clean water are scarce, and hospitals are struggling with dwindling medical supplies and fuel amidst a power outage. Five hospitals have ceased operations due to fuel shortages and damage from bombings.
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The Rafah crossing's opening followed intense diplomatic efforts, including visits by U.S. President Joe Biden and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Israel had previously stipulated that no aid would enter Gaza until all captives from Hamas' October 7th attack were released.
On Friday, Hamas released two captives, an American woman and her daughter. The connection between this release and the aid deliveries remains unclear.
Saturday saw 20 trucks move from Rafah to Deir al-Balah, a town sheltering many evacuees. However, many foreign nationals at Rafah, hoping to flee the conflict, were denied exit.
The aid included 44,000 bottles of drinking water, sufficient for 22,000 people for one day. The World Health Organization reported that four trucks carried medical supplies.
The conflict has escalated concerns about a potential ground offensive by Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions about a possible invasion, and Israel's military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, indicated an intensification of airstrikes.
Yifat Shasha-Biton, a Cabinet minister, suggested the creation of a "buffer zone" in Gaza to distance Palestinians from the border.
Tensions have also surged in the West Bank, with numerous Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces and attacks by Jewish settlers.
The conflict has sparked international outcry, with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan's King Abdullah II calling for aid, a cease-fire, and the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
The situation remains volatile, with over a million people displaced in Gaza and continuous bombings in the southern region. An Israeli military official stated that areas distributing aid would not be targeted unless they become launch sites for rockets.
