Kuwait sends five new ambulances to Gaza Strip on Wednesday, coinciding with a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to the Rafah crossing. This crossing is the only route through which people can provide aid to the heavily affected in Gaza.
A total of twelve ambulances, along with aid shipments, have been delivered to Egypt’s North Sinai city of Arish by Kuwait since the onset of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7. The last two ambulances, part of Kuwait’s 12th aid shipment, reached Arish on Saturday. However, their delivery to Gaza faced delays, pending coordination between the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Israeli military, and the Gaza border authority.
The remaining seven vehicles’ delivery schedule remains uncertain.
During his visit, Volker Turk called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where the death toll from Israeli attacks surpassed 10,500 on Wednesday, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. He toured the Egypt-Gaza border, witnessing ambulances transporting injured Palestinians from Gaza to North Sinai hospitals under an international arrangement to facilitate the departure of foreign passport holders from Gaza.
On a concerning note, only 756 lorries carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing by Wednesday, a stark contrast to the UN’s warnings of a far lower aid flow than needed. A representative from the World Food Programme revealed that Gaza’s shops were running out of food, with various essential items projected to last less than five days.
The shortage is exacerbated by damaged roads, safety concerns, and a fuel shortage hindering the restocking of shops. Mills in Gaza, holding around 10,000 tonnes of wheat stock, face operational challenges due to a lack of fuel, with most plants ceasing operations.
Egypt is working hard to get more help and fuel for Gaza. They are also making sure that ambulances are safe. This is happening because an Israeli attack on an ambulance made them close the Rafah crossing for a little while.On Tuesday, 663 foreign citizens, including 139 children vaccinated for polio, measles, and mumps, departed Gaza, with no foreign nationals leaving on Wednesday.
The Gaza border authority, through Facebook, publishes lists of those cleared to leave, a process that Egyptians and foreigners undergo after receiving approval.
Also Read:
Saudi Fund for Development Commits 2 Billion Riyals in Agreements with African Nations
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship’s Professional Division Commences
UAE Expands Aid Efforts: Sends 5 More Planes for Gaza Field Hospital
