GAZA CITY ( The COW News Digital) The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza remained closed on Thursday, preventing hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid from reaching the besieged territory. The closure has led to long queues of aid trucks along the Egyptian border, as relief organizations struggle to deliver essential supplies.
Israeli authorities have not granted permission to open the border, despite growing international pressure. The United Nations and various humanitarian agencies have called for the immediate opening of Rafah to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid includes food, medical supplies, and emergency relief materials critical for civilians affected by ongoing hostilities.
The closure comes amid continuing Israeli military operations, even after a declared ceasefire. Reports from Gaza indicate that three Palestinians were killed today, adding to the mounting civilian casualties. The death toll continues to rise as rescue teams retrieve bodies from rubble, with 29 additional Palestinian corpses transferred to local hospitals for identification and medical care.
The situation has raised concerns among international observers regarding the urgency of aid delivery and the ability to protect civilians in conflict zones. Humanitarian experts warn that delays at the border exacerbate food and medicine shortages, potentially creating a catastrophic health crisis for the population of Gaza.
Aid agencies have stressed that ceasefire agreements alone are insufficient without secure and timely access for relief operations. The closure of the Rafah crossing highlights the critical need for coordinated international intervention to ensure that civilians are not further deprived of basic necessities.
Egyptian authorities have expressed readiness to facilitate the passage of aid once permission is granted by Israel, signaling the possibility of relief operations resuming in the coming days. However, ongoing security concerns and political complexities continue to impede immediate action.
Meanwhile, local hospitals and emergency services in Gaza are overwhelmed, handling a continuous influx of injured civilians and victims of airstrikes. The United Nations has reiterated its call for all parties to prioritize civilian safety, ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, and allow unhindered aid access.
The prolonged border closure underscores the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, drawing global attention to the urgent need for cooperation among all stakeholders to prevent further loss of life and suffering in Gaza.
