The civilian population of the Gaza Strip and humanitarian organizations in the region are awaiting a temporary ceasefire in southern Gaza. According to some news agencies, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to be opened, from where humanitarian aid can be delivered.
“Egypt has prepared significant aid for the people of Gaza. The Rafah point will be open. Together with the UN, Israel and other participants, we are preparing the mechanism by which the aid will be received”, announced Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
It seems that preparations are underway, at least in one direction, for “Rafah” to work. This endless line of trucks is on the Egyptian side, loaded with food, water and other aid. Egypt said aid was not going to those in need because Israel was not cooperating with them. But even if the trucks do come in, there seems to be no hope that the civilians gathered at the gates will be able to escape Gaza.
“We came to the checkpoint, hoping that at least it would be safe here. But they even shelled Rafa Street. I don’t know what to do. We came even though we know they won’t open, but it’s not safe here either. We’ve been without electricity for eight days, without water. This is not life,” said Hadel, a resident of Gaza.
Against this background, Israeli military units continue to deploy along the border with the Gaza Strip in anticipation of a large-scale ground offensive. Intense airstrikes last week destroyed entire areas of the Palestinian enclave, but failed to stop Hamas from firing rockets at Israel.
Israel continues preparations for a large-scale ground offensive in the Gaza Strip
So far, more than 600,000 people have sought shelter in the southern city of Khan Younis. The water was turned on again, but the lack of electricity made pumping it impossible.
“Due to the large number of people in the camp, there is no water. So I decided to become a volunteer and carry water by cart from the faraway areas which are more dangerous,” said Khan Younis resident Mohammad Jamal.
On the diplomatic stage, efforts are being made to avoid a severe humanitarian crisis and escalation of the conflict. The US Secretary of State will make another attempt to limit the consequences of the expected ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. After a busy tour of the Middle East, Blinken will return again for talks in Israel.
“Israel has the right, and even the duty, to defend itself against these attacks by Hamas and to try to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again.” What matters is how it does so – which would affirm the shared values we have about human life and human dignity. Take all possible precautions to avoid harming civilians,” the US secretary of state said.
Bulgarian in Israel: It is very difficult to see familiar faces among the dead and missing
He also said that the leaders of the Arab countries he visited were determined to stop the spread of the war. However, fears are growing that the increase in Palestinian casualties will trigger Iranian intervention.
“We are concerned about the possibility of escalation and expansion of the conflict. We don’t want to see any actor, whether a state like Iran or another terrorist group like Hezbollah, expand this conflict, opening additional fronts,” said White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby.
The fate of the hostages is causing more and more concern. Israel said they were over 40 more than previously thought.
“So far we have notified 291 families of soldiers killed. We hug the bereaved families, you are in our hearts. We have also notified the families of 199 hostages held in Gaza. This is a top national priority. We are gathering intelligence, working for their release relentlessly,” said Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israeli army.
In Israel there was already a press conference and protests by families of hostages. Some of the relatives believe that the state is not doing enough and the fate of their relatives is left on the back burner.
READ ALL ABOUT THE CONFLICT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE HERE
2023-10-16 13:11:19
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