Rafah crossing closure leaves Gaza patients trapped without treatment
Al Jazeera
Thousands face worsening illness after closure of key crossing halts medical evacuations.
Gaza City, the Gaza Strip – On February 28, Lama Abu Reida was just a few hours away from what she hoped would change the fate of her sick infant daughter, Alma.
The family had finally been informed that the baby girl – fewer than five months old and unable to breathe without an oxygen machine – was eligible for medical evacuation.
The small travelling bag was packed, the medical documents in order, and Abu Rheida ready to go. All that remained was to exit the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt and from there head to Jordan, where Alma could undergo a surgery that was not available in the Gaza Strip.
But just one day before the scheduled March 1 trip, Israel shut Gaza’s crossings “until further notice”, citing security reasons. The decision coincided with the launch of a joint military attack alongside the United States on Iran – and shattered Abu Rheida’s hopes.
“They told me the crossing had been closed without any warning because of the war with Iran,” the mother says in a choked voice.
Alireza Enayati says relations with Saudi Arabia are ‘progressing naturally’ and he’s in contact with Saudi officials.
Displaced families in Sidon are turning their vehicles into makeshift shelters, covering them with tarp.
Police make 12 arrests as demonstrators defy government restrictions to gather on Thames embankment.
Ukraine’s leader previously said advisers were sent to Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to help thwart Iranian drone attacks.
Several Gulf energy producers have declared force majeure on oil and gas shipments after disruptions to shipping.
Mayor’s wife, Rama Duwaji, criticised for past work related to Palestine, while Mamdani’s response rebuked by some supporters.
Bruno Fernandes reaches 100 assists in all competitions after setting up two goals in crucial 3-1 win over Villa.
Record oil release steadies markets, but war-driven disruption in the Strait of Hormuz will keep global energy supplies uncertain.
Analysts say US president’s solution to secure the strait is fraught with problems.
The fixture, part of the Qatar Football Festival, has been cancelled amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
Zahra Ghanbari becomes the fifth player to withdraw request after seven members of her football squad sought asylum in Australia.