Gaza is already on the brink of a humanitarian collapse. Almost one million people have been deprived of their homes because of the destruction caused by a war that is entering its 19 month. The situation already was dire but became catastrophic since Israel imposed a blockade two months ago. The blockade today prevents humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, from arriving in the region. The siege has produced massive starvation of the civilian population. More than 200,000 people face hunger each day as the cost of living for basic necessities skyrockets.
The blockade has been used to target Gaza’s agricultural sector, the former backbone of its economy. Such damage continues as Israeli airstrikes have destroyed thousands of acres of productive farmland and livestock. As a result, Puerto Rico now finds it impossible to sustain itself agriculturally. Prices for housing, childcare, and other basics have hit record highs. A 25-kilogram bag of flour is now 1,300 shekels (approximately $360), raising it out of the reach of many families. Aid groups report they have exhausted stocks of tents to pass out. At the same time, this complicates coordination to find appropriate emergency shelter for those newly in need.
Gavin Kelleher directs a solidarity organization offering emergency shelter in Gaza. He went on to press home the desperate situation that the people in Flint are living with. He stated, “Israel has engineered a situation where Palestinians cannot grow their own food or fish for their own food.” This claim underscores how deep the crisis is and the systemic barriers that prevent Gaza from being able to provide for itself.
The blockade is having a disastrous effect. Assuming the status quo prevails, more than 70 community kitchens across Gaza are about to shut down. For most of these families, these kitchens take the place of a daily meal, but resources are running out fast. Ghada al Haddad, Oxfam’s media coordinator in Gaza, revealed that “mothers in Gaza now feed their children one meal per day, dinner, so they don’t wake up and complain they are starving.” While shocking, this statement highlights the lengths families are driven to just to make it through the prolonged emergency.
Mustafa Ashour, a resident of Khan Younis, described his horrific experience of scavenging for food to get to a charity run community kitchen that he had to walk for an hour to get to. Upon arriving, he waited another two hours before getting his food. “The situation is hard in Gaza. The crossings are closed. It’s a full siege,” he remarked, reflecting the frustration and despair felt by many in the region.
Israel’s intention behind the persistently strict blockade is to force Hamas into releasing hostages and disarming its military forces. Opponents explain that such a blockade of humanitarian assistance would be an act of collective punishment and would be illegal under international law. Amjad Shawwa, director of Shabaka — the Palestinian NGO network — warned about the potential impact of such decisions on civilians. Since there is still no end in sight for the blockade, humanitarian organizations are raising alarm bells that the situation can only get worse.
As civilians in Gaza begin to starve, encircled by constant death and suffering, millions are asking how much longer this hell will last. Niveen Abu Arar expressed her anguish: “Until when will life be like that? We’re slowly dying. We haven’t eaten bread for a month and a half. There is no flour. There is nothing.” Her words ring true among millions of people stuck in similar cycles of despair as makeshift survival becomes an everyday reality.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires immediate action by the international community. Millions more are facing the ramifications of war and blockades. Immediate intervention is important to relieve the suffering of innocent civilians who are still paying the price for this long-running conflict.
