An Israeli raid in Rafah threatens to kill thousands of civilians, according to Asharq Al-Awsat on May 3rd and agencies.
Concerns were raised by the UN humanitarian office regarding a possible halt to the humanitarian operations in southern Gaza following Israel’s strike.
Rafah, Gaza’s most southern city, continues to be a temporary home to around 1.3 million displaced Palestinians who, forced to flee their homes due to Israeli bombardments, now live crammed in shelters.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, stated “It could be a slaughter of civilians and an incredible blow to the humanitarian operation in the entire strip because it is run primarily out of Rafah.”
Among the operations run in Rafah are medical clinics, food distribution points and centres for malnourished children.
As of March 11th, one in four households lived in conditions akin to famine, and 20 children were declared dead due to malnourishment and dehydration.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that a contingent plan for an attack has been drawn. “I want to really say that this contingency plan is a band-aid,” claimed Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, “It will absolutely not prevent the expected substantial additional mortality and morbidity posed by a military operation.
At least 20 civilians were killed in Israeli’s latest incursion in Rafah, adding up to the 34,000 Palestinians killed since the beginning of the conflict.
Asharq Al-Awsat and agencies.
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