Israel-Hamas war: here is what we know about the humanitarian bridge to Gaza

2023-10-16 19:29:01

October 16, 2023
Today at
21:29

Despite diplomatic efforts, the Rafah crossing is blocked to the south of Gaza, closing the trap on the inhabitants of the enclave. The EU announces the opening of a humanitarian bridge to Gaza.

Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip intensified on the tenth day of the war with Hamas. A week following suffering the deadliest terrorist attack in its history, Israel continues its response once morest Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as preparations for a land offensive. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed and 4,100 injured since the terrorist attack, including 219 soldiers. According to the Israeli army, 199 people, Israelis, foreigners, civilians and soldiers, were kidnapped in the Gaza Strip, where they are being held hostages.

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Israeli aircraft and artillery bombardments on Gaza cause more and more civilian victims located near military objectives, whether weapons and rocket caches or decision-making centers. More than 2,800 Gazans have died and 9,700 injured, according to the Hamas Ministry of Health. Palestinian authorities claim that 1,000 people are still buried in the debris.

“Civilians must not have to suffer from Hamas’ atrocities.”

Antony Blinken

US Secretary of State

Hamas also continues its rocket attacks once morest Israeli townsincluding Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Israeli population is still in shock from the terrorist attacks. “Civilians must not have to suffer from Hamas’ atrocities”, declared American Secretary of State Antony Blinken, traveling to Israel on Monday. The president of the United States Joe Biden reportedly preparing to visit war-torn country. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expected to visit Israel then Egypt this week.

Border with Egypt closed

Israel has invited the Gazans to leave their territory towards the south, in preparation for its ground offensive. But the 2.2 million residents have nowhere to go. Hamas troops block any departure from the region towards Egypt, while the only border crossing point, Rafah post, is closed.

The border blockade and intensive bombing are pushing Gaza towards a humanitarian catastrophe.

Full screen view

Ambulances and crews wait in Egypt near the Rafah crossing, as aid groups plan to enter the besieged Gaza Strip, October 16, 2023.
©REUTERS

Diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the United States and Egypt to establish a ceasefire in the south, in order to allow holders of foreign passports to leave the Palestinian enclave and deliver aid there. But, for the moment, diplomacy is at an impasse.

Cairo claimed Monday morning that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire. A little following, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari denied.

Monday followingnoon, a new Israeli strike hit the area of ​​the Rafah crossing pointwhere hundreds of Palestinians are waiting for permission to leave.

Humanitarian Bridge

“Israel has the right to defend itself in full compliance with international law.”

Charles Michel

President of the European Council

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Monday the launch ofa humanitarian airlift to Gaza via Egypt, to supply humanitarian organizations in the besieged city. The first flights will leave this week. After procrastination over a possible suspension of its aid, the EU decided on Saturday to triple its humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza, bringing it to 75 million euros.

The President of the European Council Charles Michel summoned an extraordinary European summit which will be held on Tuesday by videoconference, in an attempt to unify the Twenty-Seven arounda common reaction.

Full screen view

A building destroyed following Israeli strikes in Al Remal, Gaza City, October 16, 2023.
©EPA

“We are fully in solidarity with the Israeli people and victims of terrorist attacks,” writes Charles Michel in his letter of invitation. “Israel has the right to defend itself in full respect of international law, in particular international humanitarian law.”

Hezbollah provocations

“Hezbollah has carried out a number of Iranian-directed strikes to distract attention from our war efforts in Gaza.”

Daniel Hagari

Israeli army spokesperson

Israel accuses Iran of ordering attacks by its proxy, Hezbollah, on the Lebanese border. “Hezbollah carried out a certain number of shots under Iranian instruction to distract attention from our war efforts in Gaza,” Daniel Hagari said during his press briefing.

Furthermore, Hezbollah would have placed units on the outskirts of the Golan Heightspoised to become another point of tension.

The renewed hostilities with the Lebanese militia pushed the Israeli authorities to put in place an evacuation plan for residents of 28 villages located less than 2 km from the Lebanese border.

The summary

• The death toll from the war between Israel and Hamas continues to rise, more than 1,400 Israelis and 2,800 Palestinians have died since last Saturday.
• The Israeli army continues its bombings on Gaza for a land operation. Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israeli cities.
• Israel remains in shock following the unprecedented massacre committed by Hamas terrorists. In Gaza, intensification of bombing and the closure of the Rafah crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.

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