In a turn of events, the Israeli forces have imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. The blockade comes after a series of conflicts since Hamas launched the offensive attack on Israel.
Calls for Humanitarian Action
Humanitarian organizations operating in the region have been urgently requesting the establishment of corridors to deliver aid to the residents of Gaza. Hospitals in the area are grappling with an increasing number of casualties, exceeding their capacity, and they are running critically low on essential medical supplies and medications.
The situation has escalated, and the blockade has halted the supply of food, fuel, and medicines, further exacerbating the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Border Crossings Sealed
Israeli forces have sealed all border crossings for exiting Gaza, leaving the border with Egypt as the sole exit route. However, Egypt has closed off even this crossing, as it made this decision due to the vicinity near the border crossing becoming a target for aerial attacks.
Rescue efforts in Gaza are also encountering challenges, as many people remain trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Vital equipment and ambulance vehicles are struggling to reach the affected areas, obstructing the rescue operations.
Regional Tensions and International Response
Tensions are not confined to Gaza alone, as reports emerge of Israeli forces engaging in hostilities along the borders with Lebanon and Syria. These incidents have the potential to escalate into broader regional confrontations, raising alarm among international observers.
In response to the crisis, President Biden confirmed that at least 14 American citizens have fallen victim to the recent Hamas attacks. It is also reported that U.S. citizens are among those caught in the crossfire.
President Biden said that there is no justification for terrorism and condemned the ongoing violence. The U.S. Secretary of State is also considering a visit to Israel. The U.S. Foreign Minister, Antony Blinken, is expected to visit Israel in the coming days to convey a one-sided message of support.
The Looming Ground Offensive
A significant question on everyone’s mind is whether Israel will launch a ground offensive in Gaza. Gaza, a narrow strip of land approximately 40 kilometers long, is sandwiched between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. This densely populated region, home to nearly 2.3 million Palestinians, has become the focal point of these intensifying hostilities.
Israeli forces claim to have targeted hundreds of objectives in Gaza. Many of these are in areas where Hamas officials and media organizations and relief agencies’ offices are located.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hamas fired a significant number of rockets at Israeli cities such as Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. However, the full details of the recent rocket attacks by Hamas are not yet available.