Jerusalem: Severe shortages of essential goods continue to cripple daily life in Gaza, even as Israeli officials signaled on Wednesday that preparations are underway to temporarily open the Rafah crossing to allow limited movement into Egypt. The reopening expected to facilitate travel for medical emergencies and other humanitarian needs has no confirmed start time, but officials say it is meant to show progress toward a broader cease-fire arrangement.

While discussions on border access continue, the humanitarian crisis inside the enclave deepens. According to Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesperson for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), massive quantities of life-saving supplies have been stuck for months, unable to enter due to Israeli restrictions.

UNRWA currently has stockpiled food,

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