Al Jazeera
Israeli Troops Seize Rafah Border Crossing
Closure Raises Concerns for Gaza Supplies
Updated 8:02 PM PDT May 7, 2024
CAIRO, AP - Israeli troops seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, sparking concerns that already-scarce supplies will be further depleted and lead to a humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
The Israeli military stated that the move was necessary to prevent Hamas militants from using the crossing to smuggle weapons into Gaza. However, international aid groups expressed alarm that the closure could exacerbate the already dire situation for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said that the closure of the Rafah crossing will severely disrupt the delivery of food, medicine, and other essential supplies to Gaza.
"This closure will have a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Palestinians," said UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness. "We urge Israel to reconsider its decision and allow humanitarian assistance to flow into Gaza."
Al Jazeera
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