
The International Committee for the Red Cross says that its main problem on the ground is for Gaza civilians to be quickly and safely accessed by the ambulances of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), as well as for these emergency vehicles to safely reach the hospitals within Gaza. The organization also has an acute shortage of fresh blood supply and tetanus vaccine. Much needed fixtures on power lines are also imperative. Gaza hospitals are “now completely dependent on generators for electricity.” There, too, is a need for more body bags.
As world powers hammer out a ceasefire plan, Gazans feel abandoned by the outside world. Add to the Palestinian misery is the fact that the UN and Red Cross have slowed down their humanitarian aid. Access through Gaza and safety of humanitarian workers are the most pressing problems of humanitarian groups at the moment. Ceasefire is also not imminent, leaving Gazans in grave peril and utter hopelessness. Overall, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening by the day.
During the three-hour pause in the continuing firefight between Israel and Hamas, food and fuel were allowed to be brought in for the civilians, and medics collected dead bodies. Nearly three dozen bodies were found beneath rubble during the search. The United Nations has been demanding for an investigation on the Israeli bombing of a target located beside a UN school used as refugee camp of Gazans. The incident left 750 Palestinians dead. At the most unfortunate time, relations between Israel and humanitarian organizations are growing tense amidst mounting civilian casualties.
Via msnbc