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.
