New wave of displacement as Israel attacks Rafah
- Tens of thousands of Palestinians attempt to flee Rafah as Israel shells eastern area of city sheltering some 1.5 million people.
- Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah border crossing is “choking off the entry of life-saving aid into Gaza”, says the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
‘Deep humanitarian’ crisis grows worse after Rafah crossing takeover
Gaza’s Government Media Office has reiterated its warning about the ramifications of Israel’s attacks on eastern Rafah and the closure of the vital Rafah border crossing with Egypt as well as the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border crossing.
It warned of a “deep humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in the overcrowded southern Gaza city, where more than 1.4 million displaced and hungry Palestinians have sought shelter.
The halt of aid and humanitarian supplies entering Gaza as well as the tens of thousands of sick and wounded who desperately need to leave the enclave for treatment will only worsen the already dire situation, it said.
In the past 48 hours, Israeli forces banned the entry of more than 400 aid trucks, the office said. People will have no food or water within the next few days across the southern governorates of Gaza, it warned, adding that famine would soon take hold in the south. Famine has already gripped the territory’s north.
Netanyahu highlights arms embargo 76 years ago
Netanyahu has noted that weapons restrictions were in place during the war 76 years ago that led to the establishment of Israel.
The comments come after the US “paused” the transfer of powerful bombs to Israel as it threatens to attack Rafah, where 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
“There was an arms embargo on Israel, but with great strength of spirit, heroism and unity among us, we were victorious,” Netanyahu said.
