Reports confirm that Hamas is concealing supplies from civilians
1:27 PM EDT, October 28, 2023
Evidence from both Arab and Western sources support previous reports from Israel, indicating that the Palestinian extremist organization, Hamas, is withholding food and fuel from civilians in the Gaza Strip, according to the American newspaper, The New York Times.
Officials from various Arab and Western countries have confirmed that Hamas has stockpiled supplies within its extensive tunnel network. The newspaper cited unnamed insiders, stating, "There are hundreds of thousands of gallons of vehicle and missile fuel stored there, as well as ammunition, explosive material and reserves of food, water, and medicine."
Hamas possesses sufficient supplies to prolong battle
A high-ranking Lebanese official has acknowledged that Hamas has stockpiled enough supplies to sustain conflict for a period of three to four months, without the need for replenishment. On October 24, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released photos of fuel tanks in the Gaza Strip, claiming they had evidence that Hamas had concealed roughly 132,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
In response to a Hamas attack on October 7, Israel suspended all transfers of fuel, food, and medication to the Gaza Strip. The attack resulted in the largest number of Israeli fatalities since 1973, during the conflict with the Syrian-Egyptian coalition. Throughout the 21-day conflict, there have been estimated casualties of 1,400 Israeli citizens and over 7,300 residents of the Gaza Strip.
Israel's communication disruption prevents ambulance services
As a result of the disrupted communication, injured individuals and casualties are transported by private vehicles. "Gaza has been forced into a state of powerlessness," announced Paltel, the largest telecommunications provider in Gaza. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported that communication with WHO affiliates, medical institutions, and their employees has been lost. Additionally, the Red Crescent stated that it had lost contact with the operation room in Gaza city.
The humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders, disclosed that they haven't been able to get in touch with some of their Palestinian associates and are particularly concerned about "patients, medical personnel, and thousands of families seeking asylum in Al Shifa Hospital and other establishments."
