MEZIESBLOG

As we have been reporting, the first – very limited – aid was allowed into Gaza via the border with Egypt this weekend.

Red Crescent workers have been busy sorting through the aid, which includes food, water, baby formula and medical supplies, before distributing it to Palestinians.

‘We’re more terrified of unpredictable bombs falling from sky than land invasion’

Two convoys. 37 trucks. 

That’s how much aid has entered Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah crossing after 15 days of war and blockade. 

Gaza father of five, Mansour Shouman says the humanitarian lifeline is pathetic. 

“It’s just a PR stunt by the UN, maybe by the Israelis as well to show they have good intent.” 

“But it’s a drop in the ocean,” Mr Shouman says. “It works against people.  Expecting something and receiving nothing.” 

The UN says this weekend, Gaza received 4% of its pre-war daily average of supplies. No fuel was delivered.

With Israel blocking electricity to the strip, people are depending on generators for power. But they need fuel. Gaza is almost out.

Palestinians are also waiting for Israel’s ground invasion to start.

“People are more terrified of the unpredictable bombs falling from the sky than of the land invasion,” Mr Shouman says.

“Sitting like a lame duck in your home and not knowing when a bomb will fall on your building and what to do with your kids, means the prospect of a land invasion isn’t as terrifying as what we’re currently facing.”

While Mr Shouman speaks there is a loud buzzing sound in the background. It’s an Israeli drone. 

These spy drones constantly patrol Gaza, even when there isn’t a war.   

“The Israelis control the volume. They can mute it. This usually happens just before an airstrike.” 

“It’s not normal,” he says. “People can’t sleep. They’re exhausted. It’s a type of mental warfare. They [the Israelis] own the sky.”