GAZA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's continuous aid blockade could lead to famine in the Gaza Strip, among other suffering in the enclave, the Hamas-run media office in Gaza warned Tuesday.
"For the third day in a row, Israeli forces have blocked the entry of food and medical aid, further exacerbating the suffering of 2.4 million people," it said in a press statement.
The lack of medical supplies is a "death sentence" for thousands of patients and wounded individuals, it said, adding that fuel shortages have already forced hospitals and public services to shut down.
Some 1.5 million displaced people remain homeless in harsh winter conditions, with no access to food, water, or electricity, it noted.
The inability to clear some 55 million tons of rubble has further impeded movement and posed serious health risks, according to the statement.
Israel's blockade "violates international humanitarian law and the right to basic necessities," it said, urging the emergency Arab summit on Gaza held in Cairo to take decisive action to break the Israeli siege.
On Sunday, Israel announced the decision to "prevent any entry of goods and supplies into Gaza," with an aim to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in January. ■
