Worsening Conditions Amid Blockade
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with 29 starvation-related deaths reported among children and the elderly in recent days, according to Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan. Speaking to reporters, he warned of an escalating crisis that could impact thousands more if urgent aid is not delivered.
The deaths come after 11 weeks of a strict Israeli blockade that halted all supplies to Gaza. Although Israel recently allowed limited food aid into the region, officials and humanitarian organizations insist that the amount is woefully inadequate.
“In the last couple of days we lost 29 children,” Abu Ramadan stated, later clarifying that elderly victims were also included in the toll. When asked about earlier comments by the UN suggesting that 14,000 infants could die without intervention, the minister replied, “The number 14,000 is very realistic — it may even be an underestimate.”
Limited Aid, Collapsing Healthcare
Despite the easing of restrictions, the minister emphasized that only 90 to 100 aid trucks had entered Gaza, mostly in the southern and central areas. He added that only flour for bakeries was included in these shipments, with no evidence of medical supplies being delivered so far.
Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, with just seven or eight of 36 hospitals partially functioning. Over 90% of medical supplies are depleted, intensifying the crisis for those in need of urgent care.
“The blockade has brought our health system to its knees,” Abu Ramadan said, warning that time is running out for many in critical condition.
Hamas Denies Aid Seizure Allegations
Israel imposed the blockade in March, claiming that Hamas was diverting aid for its fighters — an accusation the group strongly denies. Earlier this month, a global hunger monitoring body warned that approximately 500,000 Gazans are facing imminent starvation.
As international pressure mounts on Israel to facilitate larger and faster aid flows, the humanitarian community continues to sound the alarm over the scale and urgency of the crisis. Meanwhile, the people of Gaza wait in desperation for the world to act.
