Rafah Mayor Ahmed Al-Sufi has warned of a “real humanitarian catastrophe” in the city due to the Israeli military operation and closure of crossings, which have blocked the entry of food supplies and relief aid. Sufi stated that the city has become a “military operations zone” due to the expansion of the targeted area and Israeli ground incursion.
The mayor highlighted the dire conditions, including the deterioration of health and humanitarian conditions, with no hospital or health center providing medical services in the city. He warned that displaced people are dying in their tents, forced to relocate due to Israeli bombing and targeting of shelter centers.
Since the beginning of the war, Israel has closed Gaza’s crossings and blocked the entry of goods, allowing only small amounts of humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt since November. The crossing was destroyed by Israel on May 7, and Cairo has refused to coordinate with Tel Aviv.
The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza has exceeded 37,400, with over 85,600 injured. The city is plagued by a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine, with vast tracts of Gaza lying in ruins. Israel has faced international condemnation for its continued brutal offensive on Gaza, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire. The International Court of Justice has also ordered Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah.