UN Chief Urges Israel to Allow Immediate Humanitarian Aid Access Through Rafah Crossing

Rafah. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has once again urged Israel to allow immediate entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. He made this appeal while Israeli authorities are reportedly blocking dozens of Palestinians seeking to leave the war-torn Gaza for medical treatment.

Speaking at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Guterres called for a large volume of unimpeded humanitarian aid flow through the Rafah crossing. This request comes as more than 100 sick and injured Palestinians gather at the Rafah border crossing, which connects Gaza and Egypt, hoping to receive treatment abroad.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, 16 Palestinians were allowed to enter Egypt on Tuesday. The day before, only five were permitted to leave. Twelve people were allowed to return to Gaza. This number is significantly lower than the commitment reportedly made by Israeli officials to allow 50 people to cross in both directions daily.

No clear reason has been given as to why movement at the Rafah crossing is being delayed. It is reported that Palestinians crossing the border are being forced to leave all their belongings behind. Approximately 20,000 people in Gaza are still awaiting urgent medical treatment abroad.