The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Saturday that medical supplies that can cater to the needs of around 300,000 people in the Gaza Strip have been delivered to an airport in Egypt, which is near the Palestinian enclave. However, the equipment can be delivered only when there is humanitarian access available through the Rafah border crossing located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The WHO is currently waiting for the establishment of such access to deliver medical supplies to those in need.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that a UN plane carrying 78 cubic meters of equipment from their logistics center in Dubai has landed at Egypt’s El-Arish airport. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials have clarified that the Rafah crossing, which connects Sinai with the Gaza Strip, is still open, despite the temporary halt in traffic due to Israeli attacks on the Palestinian side of the border. To reinforce security on their side of the border, Egyptian authorities have moved concrete barriers, but there are no reports about sealing off the crossing, according to an anonymous source from the security forces.
The Gaza Strip’s 2.3 million residents have only one main exit point that is not controlled by Israel, which is the crossing. Since Hamas took control in 2007, Israel and Egypt have upheld a blockade on the enclave, controlling the movement of goods and people. The prospect of Israel’s siege and bombardment of the territory, launched in retaliation for the devastating incursion by Hamas militants, has caused alarm in Egypt over the potential displacement of Gaza residents. Like other Arab states, Egypt has stated that Palestinians should remain on their lands as the war escalates, and it is working to secure delivery of aid into the Gaza Strip.