Gaza, May 19 – For the 13th consecutive day, Israeli forces have kept the Rafah border crossing, Gaza’s only pedestrian gateway, and the Karem Abu Salem commercial crossing closed. This closure is worsening the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that the ongoing border closures and restricted access are perpetuating dire conditions in Gaza. Since May 6, only 33 trucks have reached Rafah.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have intensified attacks on Rafah, Central Gaza, Gaza City, and North Gaza, extending to the Mawasi area, prompting Israeli army instructions for citizens to seek refuge.

Since October 7, Israeli land, sea, and air assaults on Gaza have killed 35,386 people, mostly children and women, and injured 79,366, with many victims still trapped under rubble.