What’s happening:
Aid organizations have raised alarm bells over the potential for dramatic increases in casualties within the Rafah area in southern Gaza. Concerns stem from the feared intensification of Israeli military action following advancements in the neighboring region of Khan Younis. The implications are dire as the Rafah area’s population has surged due to inhabitants fleeing the bombardment on Gaza’s ruling Hamas group.
Why it matters:
The looming military advances into Rafah threaten to cause a large number of civilian deaths and exacerbate an already collapsing humanitarian situation. The region faces increased overcrowding with 1.5 million residents seeking refuge, generating unsanitary conditions that risk a public health crisis. Humanitarian efforts are close to breaking point due to the difficulty in delivering basic needs and preventing disease spread.
By the numbers:
The war, initiated on October 7 when Hamas conducted an attack leaving numerous casualties and hostages, has drastically affected the region. The Gaza health ministry notes that around 28,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict thus far, increasing the emphasis on potential destruction in the densely populated Rafah.
The big picture:
Dr. Santosh Kumar emphasizes the severe fallout that lies in wait if the same level of bombardment seen in Khan Younis takes place in Rafah – a considerable rise in fatalities due to the high population density. On top of food shortages that force residents towards extreme measures such as eating grass, individuals now face alarming water shortages, teetering on the brink of a full-scale humanitarian disaster.
What’s next:
The United Nations and other aid agencies are hindered by the Israeli military positions that prevent the relocation of civilians to safer areas and the inadequate delivery of critical supplies into the territory. The UN’s Refugee agency spokesperson Juliette Touma stresses that currently overflowing shelters are unable to accept more displaced people. The calls for protecting Rafah’s civilians echo strongly as a potential catastrophic escalation hides over the horizon.
This story was first published on jpost.com.