“Open the Crossings Now,” Gaza Official Tells Israel as Aid Shortages Worsen

The Director General of Gaza’s Government Media Office, Ismail al-Thawabta, has appealed to Israel to reopen border crossings and allow aid into the besieged enclave without delay. He urged the United States to pressure Israel to ease restrictions, saying civilians were suffering acute water shortages and severe hardship.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, Mr. al-Thawabta warned that Gaza’s ordeal would not end with the fighting. He said priority for travel, once crossings reopen, would go to the sick and wounded.

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He also drew attention to mounting environmental risks, revealing that more than 250,000 tonnes of waste now litter Gaza, creating a potential health disaster. Many waste-handling machines, he noted, had been destroyed during the conflict, leaving local authorities unable to cope with the growing crisis.