Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Deepens as Children Suffer Amid Blockade and Bombardment
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating as Israeli military operations intensify, displacing over 423,000 Palestinians with no safe refuge, according to the United Nations. UN officials warn that severe movement restrictions, ongoing strikes on residential areas, and attacks on aid workers obstruct critical humanitarian efforts.
Children, who constitute half of Gaza’s population, bear the brunt of this crisis. The World Health Organization reports over 1,000 children have lost limbs, with thousands more suffering irreversible spinal and head injuries. Psychological trauma is widespread, compounded by acute malnutrition due to a total Israeli blockade imposed since March 2, which has cut off essential supplies including food and fuel. UN health chiefs lament the ongoing violence and starvation, calling the situation an “abomination.”
The UN Human Rights High Commissioner has condemned Israel’s deliberate deprivation of essentials, describing it as collective punishment and a war crime under international law. Volker Türk on Tuesday appealed to global leaders to take proactive measures in preventing the destruction of critical life-saving support in Gaza. Since October 2023, nearly 47,000 Palestinians have died from hostilities, with many more deaths uncounted from malnutrition and dehydration. Attacks on shelters and displaced populations have surged, with hundreds of residential buildings targeted in recent months.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid face grave risks. A civilian ship carrying aid to Gaza was attacked by drones near Malta in international waters, causing fire and hull damage. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, has called on Malta to respond to their distress signal, highlighting the dangers faced by aid convoys trying to breach the blockade.
With Gaza’s crossings closed since early March and repeated denials of coordination for fuel deliveries, the civilian population—particularly children—is trapped in a worsening humanitarian catastrophe. The UN and global leaders continue to call for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and alleviate suffering.
