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First responders in Gaza reported Thursday that their operations have come to a near halt as the Israeli blockade, which has been in place for over two months, continues to severely impact supplies, including food and fuel.
The situation is dire, with 75% of civil defence vehicles no longer operating due to a lack of diesel fuel, according to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defence. The teams, essential for emergency response, are also facing a severe shortage of electricity generators and oxygen devices due to destruction by Israeli forces and the continued Israeli blockade.
The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with warnings from the UN and other organisations about dwindling supplies of food, medicine, fuel, and clean water. The UN’s children’s agency, UNICEF, highlighted the growing risks to Gaza’s children, who face hunger, illness, and death after UN-supported kitchens were forced to close due to a lack of food.
Over 20 independent experts from the UN Human Rights Council have called for urgent action to prevent further devastation in Gaza. In a show of solidarity, Palestinians have been lining up to donate blood at hospitals like the one in Khan Yunis, despite the severe shortage of food and proteins.
Hind Joba, the head of the hospital’s laboratory, explained the challenges faced by the medical staff, noting that despite the lack of food and water, people are still donating blood to save lives. The dire situation is compounded by Israel’s ongoing military bombardment of the tiny enclave, which resumed on March 18 after Israel broke the ceasefire agreement.
On Monday, Israel’s security cabinet approved a new military strategy aimed at the “conquest” of Gaza, which has drawn international condemnation. A window for negotiations over the release of hostages, however, remains open until mid-May, coinciding with a planned visit by US President Donald Trump to the Gulf.
Israeli airstrikes and invasion since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, have killed at least 52,653 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly civilian women and children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
