Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Widespread Looting and Smuggling
The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has raised alarms over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He reported that the collapse of civil order has led to rampant looting and smuggling, severely hampering the delivery of essential humanitarian aid. The situation is exacerbated by cigarette smuggling, which has made humanitarian convoys prime targets for attacks. Lazzarini highlighted the dire conditions, stating, 'For more than two million Gazans, it is hell. A nightmare from which they cannot wake up.'
Economic Impact of the Gaza War on Israel
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has plunged Israel into an unprecedented economic crisis. According to the Private Wealth Migration Report, Israel has fallen out of the rankings for the largest money flows for the first time in decades. Wealthy immigrants are leaving the country, and foreign investors are steering clear of Israeli bonds. The war has also decimated Israeli agriculture, reducing production by 80%. The Central Bank estimates that the conflict will cost Israel approximately $67 billion by 2025, or about 15% of its annual GDP.
U.S. Efforts to Prevent a Regional War
Political analysts agree that the United States is making significant efforts to prevent Israel from igniting a comprehensive war in the Middle East. According to military and strategic expert Brigadier General Elias Hanna, America is currently engaged on two fronts: Ukraine and Gaza. The U.S. has stopped supplying 'large-capacity' bombs to Israel, as the Israeli army has used them in residential areas. Analysts suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure and may escalate operations, potentially leading to a broader conflict involving Hezbollah.
- Since May 7, the start date of the ground offensive by Israeli forces in Rafah, the crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has been closed. Only the Kerem Shalom crossing point between Israel and Gaza is open, which is insufficient to meet the dire needs for food and medical supplies.
- The United States has imposed restrictions on Israeli businessmen entering its territory, questioning their affiliations with the Israeli army and potential war crimes. This has impacted Israeli business operations in the American market, a crucial economic partner for Israel.
- The Bank of Israel has extended its relief scheme for war victims by three more months. This includes exemptions from interest on overdrafts and the postponement of loan and mortgage repayments. The reliefs aim to support those affected by the conflict, including residents within 30 km of Gaza and reserve soldiers injured in the war.
