By: Umme Kulthoom Jacobs
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues, with thousands of Palestinians facing severe shortages and limited access to basic necessities amid Israel’s ongoing restrictions on the entry of essential supplies.
Speaking to Salaamedia, Gaza-based journalist Mostasem A Dalloul described the severe lack of access to food, water, medicine and fuel. This makes daily life for Palestinians extremely difficult and leaves thousands with little or nothing to eat. Furthermore, the shortage of fuel—which is essential for running generators—is leaving Gaza’s healthcare system at extreme risk.
Gaza’s infrastructure has also suffered extensive destruction. Around 90% of the Strip’s infrastructure, including hospitals and other essential facilities, is reported to have been completely or partially destroyed, leaving millions of Palestinians displaced.
Dalloul highlighted the collapse of a partially destroyed six-storey building a week ago in Gaza City. The collapse killed 21 Palestinians, with hundreds still trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence group.
Dalloul added that he has seen no significant change since the ceasefire agreement was reached in October last year as part of US President Donald Trump’s “peace plan” between Israel and Hamas.
“Israel continues to bombard Gaza on a daily basis, bombing displaced Palestinians and killing people every day, as well as intensifying its blockade on Gaza,” said Dalloul.
Read next: National Mosque Open Day welcomes South Africans from all walks of life
