Gaza gov't wants permanent opening of Rafah crossing to deal with catastrophe

GAZA, Palestine

Authorities in the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday demanded permanent opening of the Rafah border crossing, saying it has become an "urgent and crucial necessity" to deal with the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the enclave.

This statement by the Government Media Office in Gaza followed the entry of the second aid convoy into Gaza from the Rafah border crossing with Egypt early Monday morning.

The convoy consisted of 14 trucks that carried food, water, and medicines, bringing the total number of trucks entering Gaza to 34, according to the media office.

Permanently opening the Rafah crossing has become an extremely urgent necessity to overcome the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, the office said, adding that fuel is urgently needed.

It continued: “While we appreciate all relief and aid initiatives, it's essential to caution that the 34 aid trucks that have reached Gaza so far fall significantly short of the region's actual requirements, as it used to receive over 500 trucks daily.”

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army continues to target Gaza with intensive airstrikes that have destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women, and injuring 14,245, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

An unknown number of people are also trapped under the rubble.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala