Offensive against Rafah, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating dramatically

Israel is “pressing ahead” with plans to launch a full-scale ground offensive against the southern Gaza town of Rafah.

Government spokesman David Menser said the target of the operation was 4 Hamas battalions, which Israeli intelligence said were stationed in the city.

Before entering Gaza, Tel Aviv declared Rafah a safe zone, and more than half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million sought refuge there.

The UN believes the future of many people in Gaza “hangs in the balance”.

Gaza’s health infrastructure has been destroyed – the few hospitals that remain are struggling to keep operating, there are severe shortages of supplies and frequent power outages. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, infectious diseases may sweep Gaza.

Sigrid Kaag – Senior UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza

Israel claims that humanitarian aid has started moving more quickly to Gaza after international pressure to expand access.

Officials said 468 trucks entered the Palestinian enclave on Tuesday, but those figures are disputed by the UN and the Red Crescent.

Some trucks were half full due to cargo inspection rules.