An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed three Palestinians despite a ceasefire. The ongoing blockade at the Kerem Shalom crossing has critically hampered humanitarian aid, exacerbating the region’s healthcare challenges and water shortages. A Hamas delegation is set to negotiate a ceasefire extension in Cairo, as the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.
On Monday, an Israeli drone strike in central Gaza caused the deaths of three Palestinians and wounded several more, despite an ongoing ceasefire. The Gaza Ministry of Health confirmed that the airstrike targeted the Wadi Gaza area, while another individual was killed in a separate incident near Kuwait Roundabout, southeast of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood. Since the onset of the Israeli offensive on October 7, 2023, the Gaza death toll has escalated to 48,577, with over 112,000 injuries reported.
This latest violence exacerbates the already worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Israeli forces have maintained a blockade on the Kerem Shalom border crossing—critical for aid and fuel entry—for the past 16 days. The blockade has severely hampered the healthcare system, leaving hospitals in dire need of medical supplies and obstructing transportation for the wounded. Furthermore, power shortages have led to the shutdown of water desalination plants, deepening the existing water crisis in the region.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has confirmed that no humanitarian aid has entered Gaza since March 2. UNICEF has reported alarming conditions for children, indicating that one million Palestinian youths are facing severe food and water shortages, putting their survival at risk.
In response to the situation, a Hamas delegation is set to travel to Cairo within two days, following an Egyptian invitation to discuss the potential extension of the ceasefire. This dialogue stems from a proposal put forth by U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein. Despite these negotiations, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, prompting heightened concerns regarding the future well-being of its inhabitants.
In summary, the recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza, which resulted in three Palestinian fatalities, underscores the fragility of the current ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The blockade on the Kerem Shalom crossing is severely impacting healthcare, water access, and general living conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. As diplomatic efforts continue, the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance remains critical amid escalating crises in Gaza.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
