Authorities in Gaza have issued a dire warning, saying that the region could soon face a major humanitarian crisis if crucial supplies are not allowed to enter.
Israel has imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza, cutting off electricity, food, fuel, and water in response to attacks by Hamas.
Residents in Gaza report that aid hasn’t reached the area since Saturday.
Images from the BBC reveal empty streets littered with debris from buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Tragically, more than 500 people have lost their lives in these attacks.
Gaza is home to around 2.3 million people, with 80% relying on humanitarian aid due to the ongoing hostilities with Israel.
While Hamas governs the territory, Israel controls the airspace, shoreline, and border crossings.
Egypt also tightly controls its border with Gaza.
Since the attacks began on Saturday, Israel has blocked all supplies, including food and medicine, from entering Gaza.
Many residents are now without electricity and internet, and they could soon run out of essential food and water.
Authorities warn that fuel will be depleted within the next 24 to 72 hours.
The United Nations’ humanitarian agency, OCHA, also warns that fuel supplies may only last for a few days.
Even before these latest restrictions, Gaza’s residents faced widespread food shortages, restricted movement, and a lack of clean water.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “complete siege” on Gaza, stating, “No electricity, no food, no water, no gas – it’s all closed.”
He added, “We are fighting animals and are acting accordingly.”
Furthermore, Israel’s infrastructure minister ordered an immediate cutoff of water supplies to Gaza, declaring a significant policy shift.
Before these announcements, the Palestinian health ministry had already expressed concerns about shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel due to Israel’s actions.
They called on international entities to urge Israel to restore power and provide emergency aid in the form of medicine, fuel, and power generators.
Israel has carried out extensive retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in over 500 casualties and thousands of injuries.
Sunday night witnessed a particularly intense barrage of strikes, potentially the most significant in years.
The impact was felt throughout the night, with loud explosions heard across the Gaza Strip.
As the strikes continued into the morning, black smoke filled the sky, and the dust from collapsed buildings filled the air.
Some strikes targeted the eastern border area, where Hamas initiated their attacks.
Israel’s objective appears to be securing this region to enhance security.
There have also been reports of artillery fire by Israel in the border area.
While Israel claims to target Hamas in Gaza, there are reports of civilian casualties.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that two refugee camps, Al-Shati (also known as the Beach Camp) and Jabalia camps, were struck by Israeli airstrikes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
Videos from Jabalia depicted scenes of chaos, including the removal of bodies and injured individuals covered in blood and dust.
The foreign ministry also reported an airstrike on a United Nations school in Gaza housing hundreds of civilians, including children and the elderly.
The UN confirmed the attack, stating that the school suffered severe damage, but fortunately, no fatalities occurred.
There have also been reports of strikes hitting a mosque and residential homes.
Tragically, a single strike in Rafah in the southern part of Gaza claimed the lives of 19 members of the same family.
The UN revealed on Monday that 123,538 people in Gaza have been internally displaced, “due to fear, protection concerns, and the destruction of their homes“.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that 73,000 people are seeking refuge in schools.