Gaza Under Fire Despite Ceasefire, Aid Shortage Fuels Humanitarian Crisis

Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have continued since a ceasefire was announced, with heavy artillery shelling reported in the eastern areas of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City until the early morning hours. Concurrently, Israeli vehicles were observed shelling and advancing in northwestern areas of the Strip, according to Gaza-based journalist Mustafa Jaarour. He stated on the "Youm Jadid" program on Radio Al-Shams that the Israeli army claims its operations aim to eliminate threats, but the shelling, he reported, reaches areas with displaced people and civilians attempting to return to their homes or set up tents.

Jaarour explained that the Israeli military continues to use "yellow cubes" to designate areas Palestinians are prohibited from accessing, noting their appearance east of the Shujaiya neighborhood and east of the Maghazi camp. He described these "yellow lines" as dividing the Strip and preventing large numbers of residents from returning to their homes in Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, eastern Gaza City, and areas in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. According to Jaarour, the area behind the yellow line, which he characterized as under Israeli control, constitutes over 70% of Gaza's area, significantly reducing the available space for residents and complicating displacement and the search for safe havens.

Israeli vehicles also advanced to the vicinity of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza in recent hours, Jaarour reported. The hospital has resumed providing first aid to those injured by shelling and gunfire. However, he noted that the gunfire and shelling near the hospital forced medical staff to withdraw towards Gaza City. Jaarour warned of the severe consequences of ongoing military operations near medical facilities providing services under difficult conditions.

Jaarour also touched upon the activities of local armed groups, which he claimed are cooperating with the Israeli army, carrying out operations in Khan Younis and Beit Lahia, including arrests. He mentioned that the administrative committee, reportedly set to enter Gaza, has conditioned its tasks on the cessation of these groups' activities, with Israel's stance on their future remaining unclear. He attributed the political and security developments, along with upcoming Israeli elections, to the situation in Gaza, impacting goods movement, markets, displacement levels, and military escalation.

Regarding aid, Jaarour stated that Gaza requires approximately 600 trucks daily to meet its needs, but only an estimated 150 to 160 trucks enter per day through the crossings. He warned that these quantities are insufficient for the humanitarian and living needs of the population, exacerbating the economic crisis and reducing access to basic goods. Jaarour also cautioned against any potential decision to cancel certain Israeli currency denominations circulating in Gaza, noting a severe decline in monetary circulation and a reliance on electronic wallets and banking apps. He believes canceling more currency denominations would further complicate citizens' access to and use of funds amidst the difficult economic conditions and restrictions on goods and people.

Finally, Jaarour highlighted the continued closure of crossings for travelers, patients, and the wounded, in addition to ongoing shelling and threats. He concluded that civilians in Gaza face increasing humanitarian and living pressures due to military operations and the shortage of supplies, warning that these conditions worsen suffering and hinder access to basic necessities.