RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The border crossing between Egypt and Gaza officially opened on Saturday to allow much-needed aid into the besieged Palestinian territory. This comes after Israel sealed off the border and launched airstrikes in response to Hamas’ violent activities two weeks ago. However, only 20 trucks were permitted to enter, which aid workers believe to be insufficient to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Currently, Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, half of whom have fled their homes, are facing severe food rationing, dirty water, and a dire shortage of medical supplies and fuel for emergency generators. The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse.
Expectations of a possible ground offensive by Israel to eliminate Hamas are increasing. Meanwhile, Israel has not disclosed its plans for Gaza if it succeeds in its mission. One Cabinet minister has suggested the creation of a “buffer zone” to separate Palestinians from the border, but the specifics have yet to be determined.
The opening of the Rafah crossing followed a week of intense diplomatic efforts involving US President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Israel initially insisted that no aid would enter Gaza until Hamas released captives from its attack on Israeli towns in October. However, on Friday, Hamas released an American woman and her daughter, potentially influencing the decision to allow aid into Gaza.
The aid that entered Gaza on Saturday included drinking water, medical supplies, and trauma medicine. However, the need for further aid is urgent, according to the UN’s World Food Program. Prior to the war, around 400 trucks of aid were entering Gaza daily, but this number has significantly decreased.
At present, the Rafah crossing is expected to operate intermittently to allow aid to enter. However, discussions are ongoing between Egypt, the UN, and Israel to secure fuel deliveries for hospitals. A potential exchange of dual-national hostages for fuel is being discussed, but Israel is reportedly demanding the release of all hostages.
In the meantime, both the US and the UN have expressed their commitment to providing aid to Gaza while preventing diversion by Hamas. President Biden has assured that the US government will work to keep Rafah open and allow US citizens to leave Gaza. The UN Secretary-General has emphasized the need to protect civilians in Gaza and has condemned Hamas’ assault on Israel.
