The Gaza Strip could be on the brink of a new humanitarian crisis if supplies are not allowed in, authorities say, as Israel responds to the Hamas attacks.
Residents say aid has not reached the enclave since Saturday, and on Monday Israel declared a “complete siege” on the territory – saying electricity, food, fuel and water would be cut off.
Gaza is home to about 2.3 million people, 80% of whom rely on aid.
More than 500 people have died there in Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
Israel controls the airspace over Gaza and its shoreline, and restricts who and what goods can cross its borders.
Egypt also strictly controls what or who can pass through its own border with Gaza. Since the attacks began on Saturday morning, Israel has stopped all supplies entering Gaza, including food and medicine.
Many are currently without electricity and internet, and could soon be out of essential food and water supplies.
Authorities have warned that fuel will run out within 24 to 72 hours. The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, has also warned of fuel supplies lasting a matter of days.
Even before the latest restrictions, residents of Gaza already faced widespread food insecurity, restrictions on movement and water shortages.
Source: bbc.com
