GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The worsening humanitarian and public health situation in Gaza has prompted Arab countries to intervene with financial aid to avert a total collapse. The Arab Organization for Human Rights in the United Kingdom and the United Nations pressed countries in January and February, respectively, to step in to stop the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Palestinian factions warned against an imminent implosion on Feb. 20.

As part of the Arab countries’ efforts, the United Arab Emirates made a $2 million donation on Feb. 7. A day later, Qatar contributed $9 million in aid, part of which will go toward supplying hospitals with fuel and medicines. Meanwhile, Egypt has resumed contact with both Hamas and Fatah to further the reconciliation process and find a quick solution to the humanitarian crisis.

Israel agreed on Feb. 21 to grant entry permits to 3,000 Gazan merchants so they can obtain goods to bring into Gaza and to allow Gazan fishermen to work farther offshore, expanding the range from 6 nautical miles to 9 as of April 1. It has also allowed a large quantity of goods, including wood, cement and medical equipment, to enter Gaza through border crossings.

The UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting Feb. 14 at the request of Kuwait and Bolivia to discuss the humanitarian situation. The next day, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN secretary‑general, attributed the worsening conditions to funding cuts by the United States to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the closure of border crossings and the state of Palestinian reconciliation.