CAIRO: Israeli military conducted new airstrikes in the besieged Gaza Strip and laid siege to two hospitals on Monday, despite what the UN chief called a growing international consensus to tell Israel an immediate ceasefire is needed.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into northern Gaza to address starvation, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance after months of conflict. He also warned against a threatened assault on the southern Gazan city of Rafah, stressing the potential humanitarian disaster it could entail.
Witnesses reported heavy Israeli fire in Rafah, where Palestinian medics stated that 30 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours. The city, home to a large number of Gaza’s population seeking refuge from the Israeli violence, faces dire circumstances with residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Israeli Forces Besiege Gaza Hospitals
In addition to airstrikes, Israeli forces besieged Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis, further limiting access to medical care for Palestinian civilians. The health ministry in Gaza reported hundreds of patients and medical staff being detained in the hospitals.
The recent escalation comes amidst failed mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt to broker a ceasefire and prisoner-hostage swap between Israel and Hamas. Concerns about famine in Gaza are mounting, prompting international calls for an immediate end to the violence.
UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the need for Israel to lift obstacles to aid delivery into Gaza and allow UNRWA food convoys into the northern region, where starvation is imminent. However, Israel’s approval for such convoys has been withheld, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
While Israel denies blocking aid to Gaza, aid organizations have faced challenges in delivering assistance within the territory due to security checks and logistical difficulties in navigating a war zone.
