Gaza City – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a stark warning about the irreversible harm facing Palestinian children as the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza enters its 70th day. This warning comes in the wake of a devastating Israeli airstrike on May 12, 2025, that hit the Al-Karama School in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals who were seeking shelter there.
The ongoing blockade has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leaving 2.3 million residents struggling with critical shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. UNRWA officials caution that the prolonged denial of essential supplies is having a catastrophic impact on the physical and mental well-being of the population, particularly children. The situation is further compounded by recent Israeli strikes across Gaza, which have reportedly killed at least 100 people in the past 24 hours, targeting homes, markets, and other civilian areas. In one such incident, eight members of the Al-Qidra family were killed in a strike on their home in Khan Younis.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Hamas has announced its intention to release US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, though the timing of the release remains unspecified. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and peace in Ukraine, urging for the entry of humanitarian aid and the release of all those held captive in Gaza. The crisis is not limited to Gaza, as increased displacement in the West Bank has also been reported, with thousands unable to return to their homes due to ongoing Israeli operations.
The international community is facing mounting pressure to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and to ensure the protection of civilians. UNRWA’s warning underscores the urgent need for the immediate lifting of the aid blockade to prevent further irreversible harm to the Palestinian population.
