Palestinian experts and analysts have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, given the continued restrictions on aid entry and the closure of border crossings. They emphasized that living and health conditions are rapidly deteriorating, threatening the lives of residents, amidst repeated warnings from the United Nations about the spread of hunger, disease, and epidemics. Dr. Ayman al-Raqab, a professor of political science at Al-Quds University, stated that the people of the Gaza Strip are experiencing a major humanitarian crisis due to Israel’s closure of the crossings and its prevention of aid entry and the travel of patients for treatment abroad.
Al-Raqab added, in a statement, that the Kerem Abu Salem crossing is operating on a limited basis according to the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which stipulated the entry of 600 aid trucks daily during the first phase. However, only 200 to 300 trucks have actually entered, while the remaining trucks were designated for commercial purposes. He emphasized that the majority of Gaza’s residents cannot afford to purchase goods whose prices are set by Israeli merchants, who are the primary source of these goods. This exacerbates the already dire living conditions. He explained that the UN Secretary-General has repeatedly stressed the severity of the blockade imposed on the people of Gaza, given the unprecedented spread of hunger, disease, and epidemics.
Al-Raqab noted that the population, estimated at around two million, is confined to an area of no more than 120 square kilometers, making it a breeding ground for widespread disease and epidemics.
Al-Raqab warned that most of the water available in Gaza is contaminated and unfit for drinking, noting that obtaining water often requires traveling long distances. He explained that some volunteer organizations are making efforts to bring drinking water into the Strip and distribute it to residents via trucks in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. For his part, writer and political analyst Zaid al-Ayoubi explained that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely dire, pointing to a severe food shortage resulting from Israeli measures, including the closure of crossings and the prevention of the entry of food, medicine, and supplies in sufficient quantities, in addition to a critical shortage of medical supplies and other basic necessities.
Al-Ayoubi warned, in a statement, of the destruction of infrastructure and homes in the Gaza Strip, which has led to the continued immense suffering of thousands of displaced people who are still living in dilapidated tents amidst sweltering heat.
Al-Ayoubi stressed the need for the international community to take a serious stance to force Israel to allow the opening of the crossings and the entry of aid.
