Gaza Strip Faces Humanitarian Crisis Amid Israeli Blockade

Wikipedia - Makbula Nassar

The Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.3 million people, may be on the verge of a humanitarian crisis if supplies are not permitted to enter, according to local authorities. This comes as a response to the recent attacks by Hamas.

Gaza Residents Rely Heavily on Aid

Local reports state that aid has not reached the region since last Saturday. This was followed by Israel’s declaration of a “complete siege” on the area on Monday. As a result, the supply of electricity, food, fuel, and water would be terminated. Of the Gaza population, 80% are dependent on aid for survival. Over 500 individuals have lost their lives due to Israel’s counterattacks.

Israel has control over Gaza’s airspace and its shoreline, and it regulates who and what goods can cross its borders. Egypt also maintains strict control over its border with Gaza.

Essential Supplies Cut Off

Since the onset of the attacks on Saturday morning, Israel has halted all supplies entering Gaza, including essential items like food and medicine. Many currently lack electricity and internet access and could soon run out of vital food and water supplies. Authorities have issued warnings that fuel supplies will be exhausted within 24 to 72 hours. The UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, has echoed these warnings.

Even prior to the latest restrictions, Gaza residents were already grappling with widespread food insecurity, movement restrictions, and water shortages.

Israeli Authorities Stand Firm

On Monday, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that a “complete siege” would be imposed on the area, meaning “No electricity, no food, no water, no gas - it’s all closed.” The Israeli infrastructure minister ordered an immediate cut-off of water supplies to Gaza shortly after.

The Palestinian health ministry, in a statement before these announcements, said hospitals were facing a shortage of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel due to Israel’s actions. It called on international actors to compel Israel to “restart power lines” and to provide emergency needs in the form of medicine, fuel, and power generators.

Civilian Casualties and Displacements Amid Retaliatory Strikes

Israel has launched substantial retaliatory air strikes into Gaza since Saturday, resulting in at least 511 deaths and 2,750 injuries, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Video footage from the region shows widespread chaos, including casualties and destruction of property.

Witnesses report that two refugee camps in Gaza, Al-Shati and Jabalia camps, were hit by Israeli airstrikes, reportedly leaving several injured and dead. An attack on a United Nations school in Gaza that was housing hundreds of civilians also caused severe damage, but no fatalities were reported.

The UN stated on Monday that 123,538 people in Gaza have been internally displaced, primarily due to fear and the destruction of their homes. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that 73,000 people are currently seeking shelter in schools.