Gaza – Arab Canada News

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has issued a warning of immense severity, confirming the worsening hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip, with two-thirds of essential medical supplies expected to run out in less than two months, and the entry of aid halted for over 50 days due to the ongoing Israeli blockade since March 2.

The agency stated that three thousand trucks loaded with lifesaving supplies are standing at the crossings of the sector, awaiting permission to enter, while it reported depleting its stock of flour and possessing only 250 food parcels. The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, deemed that "Gaza is turning into a land of despair," calling on the international community for urgent action to lift the blockade and resume the ceasefire.

Widespread Destruction and Mass Displacement

In a joint report with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the agency revealed extensive destruction of the sector's infrastructure, with estimates of over 50 million tons of rubble. The Israeli military escalation has caused the displacement of nearly 420,000 people again since mid-March, raising the number of displaced individuals to about 1.9 million, equivalent to 90% of the population of the sector.

UNRWA indicated that about 143 square kilometers of Gaza's land – approximately 39% of its area – has been subjected to evacuation orders by the Israeli army.

Targeting UNRWA Facilities

UNRWA reported that 311 of its facilities have sustained damage or direct shelling since the war began on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 742 individuals who sought refuge there and injuring 2,500 others. The agency has also lost more than 290 of its staff to date, representing one of the largest human losses among humanitarian workers in the history of the United Nations.

Severe Inflation and Market Collapse

According to a report issued by the World Food Programme, food prices in Gaza have risen between 150% to 1400% compared to pre-war levels, while the price of cooking gas has skyrocketed by a record 4000%. UNRWA states that the markets are nearly collapsed, exacerbating the suffering of the population in meeting their basic daily needs.

Health System in Collapse

Despite the destruction of most of its health facilities, UNRWA continues to operate only 6 out of 22 centers, alongside mobile medical teams providing support in the most affected areas. During the week from April 14 to 20, UNRWA teams provided over 80,000 medical consultations, including immunization services for children and emergency psychological support.

Escalation in the West Bank

In parallel with what is happening in Gaza, the occupied West Bank is witnessing a dangerous escalation in Israeli military operations. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported the killing of 916 Palestinians since the beginning of the war, including 110 individuals since the beginning of the year 2025, amid widespread raids and arrests in Jerusalem and Palestinian camps.

Warning of a Complete Humanitarian Collapse

UNRWA confirmed that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a state of complete collapse, amid increasing use of humanitarian aid as a political pressure tool, which constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law. The agency renewed its calls for the immediate opening of crossings and allowing aid to enter unconditionally, to avoid the occurrence of a mass famine and a complete health collapse.