Concerns Mount as Access Points to Gaza Remain Closed
Amid ongoing uncertainty about a ceasefire in Gaza and an escalation of the military operation in Rafah, UN aid agencies expressed deep concerns on Tuesday that the two main access points into the enclave remained closed, while families are scared and “hanging on psychologically and physically by a thread”.
Mass Evacuation Orders in Eastern Rafah Deemed Unsafe
In its latest warning to the Israeli authorities not to pursue mass evacuation orders from eastern Rafah, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, insisted that a mass evacuation on such a scale would be “impossible to carry out safely”.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
“There are nine sites sheltering displaced people in the area. It is also home to three clinics and six warehouses,” OCHA said in its latest update on the emergency, which noted that more than three quarters of the Gaza Strip is under evacuation orders.
Appeal for Ceasefire
The warning relating to Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings followed an urgent appeal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres late Monday to both sides “to go the extra mile” and make an agreement to end seven months of devastating conflict.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
In Geneva, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for OCHA, highlighted the challenges in obtaining permission to reach the Rafah crossing, emphasizing the critical need for aid delivery into Gaza.
Impact on Women and Girls
UN humanitarians have issued new data confirming the war’s major, negative impact on women and girls sheltering in Rafah, with concerns about their well-being and access to essential services.
Struggles of Mothers in Gaza
The UN agency’s survey revealed the compounding pressures faced by mothers in Gaza, including challenges in meeting the needs of their children and families amid the ongoing conflict.
