GAZA CITY: The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached critical levels as 77% of Palestinians are without basic relief items, according to a report by Action Aid. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing military actions and restricted access to essential supplies, leaving residents in dire need.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Reham Al-Jaafari, Director of Support and Advocacy at Action Aid, highlighted the severity of the situation in an interview with Voice of Palestine. She noted that the last three months have been particularly harsh, with limited relief items entering the Strip amidst a backdrop of widespread famine, disease, a collapsing health sector, and inadequate shelter conditions as winter approaches.
The worsening conditions come amid continued military actions by Israel, despite a legally binding decision from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering a halt to military operations in Rafah. The conflict, which began on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of at least 45,553 Palestinians and injuries to over 108,379 others. Furthermore, approximately 10,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, presumed to be trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings.
Reports from both Palestinian and international organizations indicate that women and children make up the majority of casualties. The violence has also caused the displacement of nearly two million people, primarily forcing them into the overcrowded city of Rafah near the Egyptian border. This mass displacement represents the largest exodus of Palestinians since the 1948 Nakba.
The international community continues to call for immediate humanitarian aid access and a cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
