Crisis in Gaza City: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Struggling daily with hunger, illness and no hope of rescue: Aid worker's firsthand account of life living under the Gaza blockade
The city of Gaza is currently grappling with a humanitarian catastrophe, as essential resources such as food, medicine, and water become increasingly scarce. The ongoing military operations and restrictions on aid delivery have exacerbated the situation, leaving thousands of residents in dire straits.
Medicine Shortages
The healthcare system in Gaza is under immense pressure, with many hospitals either partially functional or lacking necessary medical supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been unable to bring medical supplies into Gaza for over five months as of August 2025. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has life-saving medical supplies ready to enter Gaza, but these are being held up by Israel's blockade.
Food Shortages
The crisis has resulted in widespread starvation, with reports of children dying from hunger. A militarized food distribution scheme has been criticized for weaponizing starvation and causing extreme violence during distributions. The World Food Programme (WFP) continues to provide food aid, but a ceasefire and access are urgently needed to reach those most at risk.
Water Shortages
While specific details about water shortages in Gaza City are not emphasized in recent reports, the overall infrastructure damage likely affects water supply systems as well, contributing to the dire humanitarian conditions.
Aid Delivery Challenges
Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges due to restrictions on aid delivery. Israel has threatened to ban major aid organizations, which could further limit access. Organizations like the IRC and WFP are working to provide aid, but their efforts are hindered by the blockade and violence. Secours Islamique France (SIF) is involved in fundraising efforts for Gaza, but specific details on their on-ground operations in Gaza City are not readily available.
SIF is, however, currently distributing fresh vegetables bought locally, with each parcel weighing five kilos. They are also working to support the most vulnerable, including the displaced, despite the challenging conditions. The cost of the vegetables has risen significantly, up to €85 per parcel.
In addition, SIF started water distributions in the south last month, providing approximately six litres per person per day over two months in northern Gaza. They are also managing solid waste in displaced camps and near some health centers.
The United Nations rights chief has called for an immediate halt to the Israeli plan for Gaza takeover, citing concerns about the humanitarian crisis. The situation is dire, with nearly one million residents displaced and crammed into just 10 to 15 percent of the city's territory. The Israeli army has taken control of most of Gaza City, leaving only a small portion under civilian control. Ninety percent of the trucks that entered Gaza were attacked and looted, with only 112 trucks entering Gaza in the past two weeks, compared to the planned 8,400.
Since Netanyahu's announcement, there has been a fear of a new evacuation order and a complete cut-off of aid. The main water supply line in Gaza has been bombed, forcing residents to queue for hours for water from tanker trucks. There is a severe shortage of medicine in Gaza, with many hospitals destroyed and medical centres overwhelmed. SIF has struggled to find enough vegetables due to farmers leaving their land under evacuation orders.
In conclusion, the humanitarian situation in Gaza City is critical, with severe shortages of essential resources and significant barriers to aid delivery. It is crucial that efforts are made to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza, ensuring they receive the aid they urgently need.
- The international community is urged to intervene in the Gaza crisis, offering assistance and resources to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe.
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be a significant focus of international concern, with the current situation in Gaza City under scrutiny.
- France, as a member of the international community, has expressed outrage over the ongoing violence and has pledged support to aid organizations in the region.
- Israel, amidst criticism, has denied allegations of weaponizing starvation and violation of human rights in Gaza.
- Healthcare professionals in international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are working tirelessly to provide medical assistance in Gaza.
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, are prevalent in Gaza, further straining an already overburdened healthcare system.
- Cancer patients in Gaza are finding it increasingly difficult to access necessary treatments due to the worsening health crisis.
- Respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are exacerbated by the poor air quality resulting from the ongoing conflict.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased support to address the critical shortage of essential medications in Gaza.
- Digestive health issues are also on the rise in Gaza due to malnutrition and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
- Eye health services are severely compromised due to the destroyed infrastructure and lack of resources, leaving thousands without proper care.
- Hearing impairments are likely to increase in response to the intense noise pollution caused by military operations.
- To combat the deteriorating health conditions, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are working on implementing health-and-wellness programs in Gaza.
- Fitness and exercise facilities may not be readily available in the conflict zone, but organizations are working on creating improvised workout spaces for residents to maintain physical health.
- Sexual health awareness and services are important in maintaining overall wellness and combating the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Autoimmune disorders are becoming more prevalent due to the stress and poor living conditions in Gaza, causing an increased need for accessible medical care.
- A better understanding of climate change and its impact on health is essential to addressing the root causes of the health crisis in Gaza.
- Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellness and is often overlooked during humanitarian emergencies.
- Men's health issues, including reproductive health and prostate cancer, require equal attention to ensure the well-being of all Gaza residents.
- Skin care is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing skin conditions in the harsh environmental conditions of Gaza.
- Various therapies and treatments, such as counseling and medication, are being provided by humanitarian organizations to address the complex psychological and physical traumas suffered by Gaza residents.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, particularly for children and pregnant women, who are the most vulnerable to malnutrition.
- As people age in Gaza, there is a growing need for specialized care and services to address the unique health challenges associated with old age.
- Women's health issues, including reproductive health and maternal health, require increased attention and support to ensure the well-being of women in Gaza.
- Parenting resources, particularly those focused on child health and development, are essential for supporting families affected by the crisis.
- Weight management programs are being implemented in Gaza to address the rising rates of obesity and its associated health risks, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiovascular health is particularly at risk in Gaza due to stress, malnutrition, and poor living conditions.
- The healthcare industry, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, is struggling to meet the growing demand for services in Gaza City.
- Medicare, or government-funded healthcare, is not yet fully established in Gaza, creating challenges for those unable to afford private healthcare.
- The use of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis, is being investigated as a potential treatment for various medical conditions in Gaza, such as anxiety and chronic pain.
