Humanitarian crisis 'developing' due to Israel closure of crossings: Medics

A humanitarian crisis is developing in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's ongoing closure of crossings for the fourth day in a row, the Palestine Red Crescent Society warned on Thursday. 

The civil society body appealed to international organisations to pressure Israel into creating a humanitarian corridor for the entry of essential medical supplies and humanitarian aid. 

"This comes due to the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Strip, where Israeli occupation checkpoints and barriers surrounding the Gaza Strip remain closed for the fourth day in a row," the society said in a statement.

It added that the situation is "developing to be a humanitarian crisis" due to the "severe shortage of medical supplies and materials in the healthcare system". 

"The Strip has witnessed near-total paralysis in all aspects of life... due to the air, land, and naval military blockade imposed by the occupying authorities on the Strip for 16 years, which constitutes collective punishment prohibited by the provisions of (International Humanitarian Law)."

Approximately 17 housing units have been demolished in Gaza due to the Israeli bombing so far, with an additional 50 units partially damaged, according to the Red Crescent. At least 32 families have been forced to flee their homes.