Restoration of Communications in Gaza Raises Hopes for Resuming Vital Humanitarian Aid

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After a prolonged telecommunications blackout, the Gaza Strip saw the restoration of internet and phone services on Saturday. This blackout had previously compelled the United Nations to halt essential humanitarian aid deliveries due to coordination difficulties.

Concurrently, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential area near Khan Younis, resulting in at least 26 Palestinian fatalities, as confirmed by a hospital doctor receiving the casualties.

Early in the conflict, Israeli forces directed civilians to evacuate northern Gaza, the focus of their ground offensive. However, bombardments persisted in the southern evacuation zones, including Khan Younis.

Israel’s military is reportedly planning to extend its offensive to the south while maintaining operations in northern areas like Gaza City. There, troops are searching the largest hospital, Shifa, for alleged Hamas command centers, claims that both Hamas and hospital staff refute.

Context of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

• Global Demonstrations: Emotional scenes at pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests worldwide.
• International Diplomacy: Leaders from Turkey and Germany express stark differences over the conflict.
• US Protests: Long-standing opponents of Israeli policy in the US are leading demonstrations against actions in Gaza.

In Khan Younis, Saturday’s airstrike hit Hamad City, a development funded by Qatar. Dr. Nehad Taeima of Nasser Hospital reported 26 deaths and 20 injuries.

Israel, typically reticent on individual strikes, states its focus is on Hamas targets while striving to minimize civilian casualties. However, numerous strikes have resulted in women and children’s deaths.

Triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7 in southern Israel, the war has entered its seventh week. This attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 240 individuals.

Palestinian health authorities report over 11,400 Palestinian deaths, with two-thirds being women and minors. An additional 2,700 are missing, presumed under debris. Israel claims a significant number of militants among the deceased.

The U.N. warns of critical shortages of food and water among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. It remains unclear when UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, can resume aid distribution, paused since Friday.

Aid Challenges in Gaza

The main power plant in Gaza ceased functioning early in the conflict, and Israel has cut off electricity supply. Fuel for generators, essential for running telecommunications networks, hospitals, and other infrastructure, has been scarce.

Israel has restricted fuel entry since the war’s onset, citing potential diversion by Hamas for military use. It also limited other essential supplies, with minimal aid coming through Egypt.

In a recent development, Israel agreed to permit limited fuel entry for humanitarian purposes, following a U.S. request. This includes daily fuel allocations for telecommunications and a restricted amount for U.N. humanitarian operations.

However, the fuel provided is substantially less than what UNRWA needs for its humanitarian efforts. Gaza has also faced severe food shortages and a crisis in its water system, leading to disease outbreaks and growing dehydration and malnutrition.

Hostage Situation and Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli policy has linked fuel access to the release of hostages by Gaza militants. Public pressure mounts for the government to act decisively to rescue those captured in the Hamas attack.

Thousands, including hostage families, marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, demanding action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war Cabinet. Suggestions include a ceasefire or prisoner exchange for the hostages’ return.

Hamas proposed a prisoner swap, which the Israeli Cabinet rejected.

Dire Conditions at Shifa Hospital

Shifa Hospital, surrounded by Israeli troops, faces critical conditions. Power outages have disabled essential medical equipment, leaving thousands, including patients and staff, trapped with limited resources.

Hospital Director Mohammed Abu Selmia appealed for fuel or evacuation assistance. Israel’s military has provided minimal aid, but the hospital remains in a severe state.

Israel is under scrutiny to substantiate its allegations of Hamas using the hospital as a command center. Evidence presented so far includes photos and videos of alleged weapons caches and tunnels, which remain unverified by independent sources.

Escalating Conflict in Southern Gaza

Israel’s ground assault, primarily in northern Gaza, threatens to expand southward, raising concerns about civilian safety. Most residents are currently sheltered in the south, following evacuation advisories.

Recent strikes in the Khan Younis area and an attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp have escalated casualties and destruction.

For more detailed coverage, visit AP’s dedicated page on the Israel-Hamas war.

Reported by Magdy from Cairo and Rising from Bangkok.

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More about Gaza Conflict

• Gaza Strip Restoration of Communications
• Israeli Airstrike in Khan Younis
• Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict on Civilians
• Humanitarian Aid Challenges in Gaza
• Gaza Hostage Crisis
• Shifa Hospital Crisis in Gaza