The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with aid distribution severely hindered by various factors. Despite a partial lifting of Israel’s blockade and the launch of a US-backed aid plan, the situation remains dire. Restrictions on aid routes, ongoing airstrikes, and a lack of security have exacerbated the crisis, according to the UN and other aid agencies.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the urgent need for unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid at scale, through multiple routes. Umm Zuhair, a woman trying to get food for her family, highlighted the desperation, saying, “We’re so hungry that we’re willing to risk getting shot just for a kilo of flour.”
The number of children in Gaza with acute malnutrition is rising, and a lack of fuel threatens to close hospitals still operating. The Israeli agency handling aid inspection, COGAT, reported that only 350 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing in the last week, less than 20% of the pre-conflict volume.
Aid convoys are frequently looted, and distribution routes within Gaza are often blocked. OCHA stated, “Operations have faced unprecedented levels of insecurity and a very high risk of looting, with partners reporting that most looting incidents are conducted by desperate civilians.” Nahed Shehaibar, head of the Private Transport Association in Gaza, noted that aid transport had been suspended due to repeated attacks on trucks.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced security issues, with some distribution sites experiencing chaos and unfair distribution. Mohammad Salim said, “I went at 6 a.m. and found nothing. What’s happening is shameful.” Nader Musleh added, “Some people took five or 10 boxes, and there’s no organization at all.”
The UNRWA reported a rise in acute malnutrition among children under 5, from 4.7% to 5.8% in the second half of May. Dr. Mohamed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, warned that hospitals would shut down within two days without fuel. The Palestinian Ministry of Health stated that several hospitals were at risk of closing due to fuel shortages.