As tension rises in the Gaza Strip due to Israel’s seizure of the border crossing with Egypt and the looming threat of a full-scale invasion of Rafah, thousands of displaced and exhausted Palestinians are forced to flee the overcrowded city. With the main hospital closed and limited supplies available, aid workers are struggling to provide care to those suffering from malnutrition, illnesses, and wounds. Families who have been uprooted multiple times during the seven-month war are uncertain about where to go next, with options ranging from the half-destroyed city of Khan Younis to overcrowded humanitarian zones in Gaza.
During the chaotic evacuation of Rafah, people jammed the roads in vehicles, on foot, and on donkey carts, fleeing from Israeli bombardment. Despite evacuation orders for eastern parts of the city, many residents fled other districts, adding to the confusion. The mass exodus has led to the disappearance of tent camps in some areas of Rafah, only to reappear in different locations further north. Israeli military forces have advised evacuating residents to head to a humanitarian zone in Muwasi, a rural area already overwhelmed with hundreds of thousands of people and lacking proper facilities.
The dire situation in Gaza is exacerbated by the lack of clean water, sanitation facilities, and shelter for the newly displaced residents. Medical professionals report a rise in cases of malnutrition, infections, and complications due to inadequate healthcare services. Despite efforts by aid groups to provide assistance, the scarcity of essentials like tents and drinking water remains a significant hurdle. Hospitals have been forced to evacuate due to safety concerns, leaving many residents without access to medical care.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict, the closure of border crossings has cut off the entry of food, supplies, and fuel for aid trucks and generators. With limited fuel reserves, humanitarian operations, and hospitals in Gaza are at risk of shutting down. Although Israel announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, aid groups report that no trucks were entering the Gaza side, citing security concerns. Attempts by Palestinian workers to reach the border crossing have resulted in injuries, further complicating the situation for those in need of aid.
As international efforts continue for a ceasefire, the United States has expressed opposition to an all-out invasion of Rafah, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and protection of civilians. The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on Gaza’s population, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacements. With no clear end in sight, Palestinians in Rafah and other parts of Gaza remain in a state of uncertainty and desperation, relying on aid groups for their basic needs and hoping for a resolution to the violence that has engulfed their lives.
