On Saturday, October 21, the Rafah border crossing in Egypt finally opened to allow the passage of twenty trucks carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Despite this vital assistance, it remains insufficient for Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants, who lack basic supplies. The UN estimates that at least a hundred trucks a day would be needed to meet the population’s needs.
Witnesses report that the Rafah border crossing, the only entry point to Gaza not controlled by Israel, closed again after the first trucks of humanitarian aid passed through. For nearly fifteen days, Gaza has been under “total siege,” bombed day and night by Israel. Aboard these trucks from Egypt are 44,000 bottles of water, barely enough for 22,000 people for a day, whereas Gaza’s total population is 2.4 million.
Rami, a Gaza resident, considers himself fortunate compared to others since he lives in an area relatively less affected by the attacks. Although markets still have some vegetables and food, the need for security becomes increasingly pressing.
The UN has urged the reopening of the Rafah border crossing. Despite this first convoy, humanitarian agencies warn that the current supply is far from sufficient. Approximately a hundred trucks a day would be needed to cover basic needs. UN agencies have warned that time is running out before mortality rates skyrocket due to diseases and a lack of medical capacity.
The international community has expressed its concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for a “humanitarian ceasefire” at the Cairo Peace Summit. US President Joe Biden urged all parties to allow the continuous entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, there are still no signs of a sustained reopening of the Rafah border crossing, leaving Gaza’s residents in a desperate situation.