Rafah: Gaza's Sole Border Crossing with Egypt

Gaza remains under siege as clean water, food, and fuel run out, and electricity becomes unreliable. Israel has closed two border sites, and the Rafah crossing with Egypt is also shuttered, leaving no way out for the 2.3 million people living in Gaza. Up to 600 Americans are trapped in Gaza, with uncertainty about when and if the crossing will open. The Gaza Strip has been under a military blockade since 2007, limiting free movement in and out of the area. The closure of the Rafah crossing, which sustained damage from Israeli airstrikes, is likely due to concerns of a mass exodus from Gaza. Efforts are underway to reopen the border for a short time, but there is no guarantee that Hamas will cooperate. Desperation mounts as families in Gaza plead for help and assistance.