Gaza: Gaza's Civil Defense announced on Tuesday that it has ceased operations to recover the bodies of Palestinians killed during Israel's two-year war. This decision is attributed to a severe fuel shortage, a result of the stringent Israeli blockade that has significantly hampered the agency's functionality.
According to Anadolu Agency, the civil defense agency issued a statement detailing that its vehicles have been rendered inoperative as fuel reserves have plummeted below the threshold necessary for conducting humanitarian activities. This shortage has compelled the suspension of body recovery efforts. The agency further expressed concerns about its inability to respond to emergency distress signals amidst ongoing weather challenges, as teams are incapacitated to reach impacted zones due to the fuel crisis.
The halt in operations coincides with Israel's non-compliance with the humanitarian protocol outlined in the ceasefire agreement effective since October 10. This agreement mandates the allowance of fuel, humanitarian aid, and rubble-removal equipment into Gaza. The civil defense agency has urged international entities and humanitarian bodies to expedite fuel supplies to facilitate the operation of emergency vehicles and equipment essential for delivering critical services.
This development arises despite the ceasefire advancing into its second phase in January, during which Israel has been persistently infringing upon the agreement. These violations have persistently resulted in Palestinian civilian casualties. In May, Israel assumed control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, intensifying the blockade and permitting only minimal quantities of fuel and humanitarian aid into the region, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation.
The Rafah crossing was reopened on Monday under stringent Israeli regulations. However, Palestinians returning from Egypt have reported incidents of mistreatment and harassment while in transit. Initiated in October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza, supported by the US, has resulted in approximately 72,000 Palestinian fatalities and over 171,000 injuries, predominantly affecting women and children. The conflict has also led to the destruction of approximately 90% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure.