Gaza: The United Nations has issued a stark warning over the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, describing the level of civilian suffering as reaching "unprecedented levels of despair." The statement follows a series of deadly incidents linked to chaotic aid distribution efforts that have bypassed traditional UN coordination mechanisms.
Since late May, a new system for delivering aid—organized with support from Israel and the United States but excluding UN agencies—has led to violent scenes at distribution sites. On Monday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that 29 wounded individuals had arrived at its field hospital in western Rafah, eight of whom succumbed to their injuries. The majority had suffered explosive trauma, while two others had gunshot wounds.
“No person, anywhere, should be forced to choose between risking one’s life and feeding one’s family,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq from New York, reiterating the organization's call for the protection of civilians under international law.
Adding to the crisis, Gaza’s remaining fuel reserves are nearly depleted, threatening to grind humanitarian and essential services to a halt. Over the weekend, approximately 260,000 litres of fuel were reportedly looted from northern Gaza, following repeated UN requests to access the stockpiles—requests that were blocked 14 times by Israeli authorities since May 15.
Efforts to retrieve fuel from southern Gaza’s Rafah area have also been obstructed, Haq confirmed. “Without a resolution in the coming days, the entire humanitarian operation risks collapse,” he warned.
Meanwhile, attempts to deliver desperately needed aid continue under extreme difficulty. On Monday, the UN led a mission to transport supplies from the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza City. But since limited aid was permitted through on May 19, only about 4,600 metric tonnes of wheat flour have been collected. Much of it, however, never reached its intended recipients.
"Starving civilians have intercepted much of the aid en route, and in some instances, armed groups have looted it," Haq said. He added that as the occupying power, Israel is responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring adequate humanitarian access.
To meet minimum food security needs, UN partners estimate that Gaza requires at least 8,000 to 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour. Haq stressed the need for a sustained and unrestricted flow of aid through multiple crossings.
No aid missions occurred over the weekend, as Israel kept the Kerem Shalom crossing closed on Friday and Saturday, further disrupting relief efforts. Humanitarian workers are also contending with life-threatening travel routes, a severe shortage of qualified drivers, and prolonged delays.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli military operations in the northern areas have continued, damaging infrastructure and limiting Palestinians’ access to essential services. The UN and its partners are providing emergency support, including clean water and sanitation for thousands of displaced individuals.
With famine conditions now affecting Gaza’s entire population of over two million, the UN is urging immediate and unhindered humanitarian access before the situation deteriorates beyond recovery.
