The United Nations and various international agencies are raising alarm over what they describe as a deliberate blockade of Gaza, accusing parties of using starvation as a weapon of war. This comes as the death toll in the region surpasses 61,700, according to the Gaza Government Media Office, with thousands more presumed dead under the rubble.
Gaza Under Blockade
For over seven weeks, a total blockade has been reimposed on Gaza, preventing the entry of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and water. Humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, pushing already strained resources to the brink. The consequences are dire, with 95% of aid groups forced to suspend or reduce their operations due to the blockade.
Continued Strikes and Displacement
The situation is further exacerbated by continued Israeli strikes across Gaza. Recent reports indicate dozens killed in attacks, including civilians seeking shelter in Gaza City. Airstrikes have targeted residential buildings and tents housing displaced families, adding to the already massive internal displacement as the Israeli military issues repeated evacuation warnings, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into ever-shrinking spaces. Large areas of Gaza have been designated as “no-go zones,” effectively treating anyone within them as a target.
Critical Shortages
The closure of crossings has led to critical food shortages, with reports of residents forced to sell their belongings or barter for food. Many are surviving on just one meal a day.
Water Crisis Intensifies
Access to potable water is also severely compromised. With only one of three pipelines delivering water from Israel to Gaza currently active, combined with shortages of electricity, fuel, and spare parts, the water crisis continues to intensify.
Healthcare System on the Verge of Collapse
Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, crippled by a large number of wounded and critical shortages of medicine and equipment. Life-saving medical supplies have been denied entry into Gaza, further hindering the ability to provide adequate care.
Urgent Calls for Action
The UN warns of an impending rise in acute malnutrition amid the aid blockade. International bodies are calling for immediate action to lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. The current crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a cycle of violence marked by devastating humanitarian consequences. While ceasefire agreements have been reached and broken, the international community faces mounting pressure to ensure the protection of civilians and address the root causes of the conflict.