The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the lives of thousands of patients are at risk if fuel reserves in all of Gaza’s hospitals run out within the next 24 hours. Conditions in Gaza are rapidly deteriorating, with shortages of water, food, power, and medicines putting the population in peril.
As Israeli troops amass near Gaza in anticipation of a ground offensive targeting Hamas militants, Israel has instructed 1.1 million Palestinians in the north of Gaza to move south. Hundreds of thousands have complied, doubling the population of the southern city of Khan Younis overnight.
The UN, expressing deep concern, declares that the Middle East “is on the verge of the abyss” and appeals to Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the region. More than 2,450 people have been killed by Israel’s bombing of Gaza, with an estimated 1,000 missing, according to Palestinian authorities.
The US Embassy in Israel issues a security alert advising travellers to consider moving closer to the Rafah border crossing. Reports suggest the crossing at the Egypt-Gaza border may open at 9 am local time on Monday. The embassy emphasises the fluid and unpredictable situation, urging caution.
Concerns rise as some Palestinian Americans, expecting the border to open for US citizens, have travelled to Rafah over the weekend. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemns the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt as “unacceptable” and emphasises the need to ensure Gazans’ safety in their homeland.
Addressing the broader conflict, Safadi calls for condemnation of the killing of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, questioning why denying food and water to Gaza is not considered a war crime. He warns of the conflict escalating to engulf the entire region, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution and prevent further tragedy.
