Gaza: Israel's total blockade of the Gaza Strip has now surpassed 60 days, intensifying the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has prohibited the entry of all food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza, exacerbating the already dire conditions for its 2.3 million residents. This prolonged siege has led to severe shortages of essential resources, with community kitchens warning of imminent closures due to depleted supplies.
The blockade coincides with ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where Israel's obligations to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians are under scrutiny. The United States, defending Israel, argued that while Israel must allow aid into Gaza, it is not legally required to work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
This stance follows Israel's ban on UNRWA, citing allegations that some of its staff were involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. The World Food Programme has reported that its stocks are depleted, and most families are surviving on less than one meal a day. Hospitals are overwhelmed, lacking basic medical supplies, and many patients are dying due to the unavailability of essential medications.
Amid these conditions, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system has initiated an assessment of food insecurity and malnutrition in Gaza. The evaluation, involving over 50 analysts from UN agencies and aid groups, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crisis.
The ICJ hearings have seen contrasting positions from various countries. While the US and Hungary have defended Israel's actions, Russia emphasized UNRWA's crucial role and called for broader support. The court's proceedings are ongoing, with multiple nations expected to present their views on Israel's aid blockade.
The blockade and the ban on UNRWA have raised international concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, has warned that preventing the agency from operating could sabotage the Gaza ceasefire and exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, with calls for urgent humanitarian assistance and a reevaluation of policies affecting aid delivery in gaza.
