As the conflict in Gaza persists, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a ceasefire that seems elusive. Amid this uncertainty, Rafah, a city on the frontlines of the crisis, faces an escalating military operation, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
UN aid agencies have sounded the alarm, expressing profound concerns over the closure of the two main access points into the enclave. Families in Rafah are living in constant fear, hanging on both psychologically and physically by a thread, as the specter of a full-scale incursion looms large.
The latest warnings from the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) emphasize the impossibility and danger of mass evacuations from eastern Rafah. The area, already home to displaced families and vital humanitarian infrastructure, could be pushed past its breaking point by any escalation of hostilities.
Despite urgent appeals from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for both sides to make efforts towards a ceasefire, access to critical aid remains blocked. The denial of access to the Rafah crossing by Israeli authorities chokes off the lifeline for essential supplies, including fuel necessary for sustaining basic services like healthcare and communication.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for OCHA, underscores the dire situation, warning that existing humanitarian stocks in Gaza are dwindling rapidly. The closure of Rafah as the sole entry point for fuel poses an existential threat to the humanitarian operation in the Strip, further exacerbating an already dire situation.
UNICEF echoes these concerns, emphasizing the potential for a military assault on Rafah to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis. With families’ coping capacities shattered, the risk of famine looms large over the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, the impact of the conflict on women and girls in Rafah cannot be overstated. UN Women reports a staggering level of fear and suffering among women and girls, with over 10,000 women reportedly killed and thousands of children orphaned since the onset of the conflict. The survey reveals alarming statistics, with a significant number of pregnant women facing complications and challenges in meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.
The data further highlights the disproportionate burden placed on mothers, who struggle to protect their children amidst the chaos of displacement and conflict. With mothers shouldering the responsibility of providing emotional support for their families, the toll of the crisis on women’s mental and physical well-being is profound.
In the face of this humanitarian catastrophe, the world cannot afford to remain silent. Urgent action is needed to halt the assault on Rafah and alleviate the suffering of its residents. The international community must redouble its efforts to broker a ceasefire and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid. Anything less would be a failure to uphold the most basic principles of humanity. The time to act is now.
Mahboob Azam 