On the 21st day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an explosion occurred near a medical facility in Taba, a town located on the eastern border with Israel. Egyptian media outlet Al-Qahera News reported that the explosion was caused by a missile, but did not disclose who was responsible. The incident resulted in six people being injured.
Unnamed sources cited by Al-Qahera News suggested that the blast was related to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Taba is approximately 250km (155 miles) away from Gaza and situated near the southern border of Israel with Egypt. Witnesses also reported to AFP news agency that a rocket had hit a hospital annex.
The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged being aware of a security incident in the area but emphasised that it occurred outside of their border. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the explosion and the intentions behind it.
In a separate development, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 nations, released a statement strongly condemning Israel’s disrespectful and intimidating remarks against the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Israel had called for Guterres’ resignation after he stated that the recent Hamas attack on October 7 did not occur in isolation but was a result of decades of suffering under occupation. Guterres also stressed that the Palestinian people’s grievances should not justify Hamas’ appalling attacks, nor should those attacks justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian population.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN accused Guterres of expressing an understanding for terrorism and murder. The OIC denounced Israel’s actions as an act of political coercion against the UN.
Meanwhile, the UK Border Force teams are stationed in Egypt to assist British nationals in escaping from Gaza once a crossing is opened. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his desire for a pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas to allow aid to reach Palestinians and create a safer environment for UK citizens to leave the heavily bombarded region. The British Foreign Office is currently in contact with approximately 200 UK nationals in Gaza.
The Rafah crossing, the only border point between Egypt and Gaza not controlled by Israel, is expected to serve as the primary exit route for those trapped in Gaza. However, it is currently closed for foreign nationals, with Cairo reportedly blaming Israeli bombings around Rafah for this closure.
Additionally, women in Gaza are facing challenges in producing enough breast milk for their babies due to acute food shortages, according to ActionAid. The charity expressed concerns about the impact on newborns and their mothers. Heba, who is currently residing in a UN shelter, described the situation in Gaza as very dire, with a lack of food and water suitable for human consumption. Sabine, who recently gave birth and is sheltering in a school in southern Gaza, highlighted the scarcity of essential items such as water, food, and diapers.
Although some aid lorries have been permitted to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing, the quantities delivered are far less than before the conflict began. Israel has cited concerns about Hamas seizing the supplies as a reason for limiting their entry.
