UN chief calls for increased Gaza aid amid Israeli blockade restrictions

UN Chief Calls for Immediate Access to Gaza Strip

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to allow immediate access to the Gaza Strip for humanitarian aid and medical treatment. The Israeli authorities have been blocking dozens of Palestinians from exiting the war-torn enclave to seek medical care abroad.

More than 100 sick and injured Palestinians gathered at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, hoping to receive medical attention outside the territory. However, only 16 Palestinians were allowed to cross into Egypt on Tuesday, according to reports from southern Gaza’s Khan Younis.

The UN chief has also called for the facilitation of rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief at scale, including through the Rafah crossing. Israeli officials had previously stated that up to 50 Palestinians would be allowed to travel in each direction via the crossing.

Palestinians have been forced to leave their belongings when passing through the crossing, which has been mostly closed for nearly two years during Israel’s military operations in Gaza. There are approximately 20,000 people waiting in Gaza for urgent medical attention abroad.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and killed a 19-year-old Palestinian near Khan Younis, despite a purported “ceasefire” deal that entered into force in October. The man’s death brings the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the start of the ceasefire to 529, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.

The director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has expressed concern over the lack of access to medical supplies and equipment, stating that denying evacuation of patients and preventing entry of medicines is a “death sentence” for them.

Source: Al Jazeera