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Gaza battling a multitude of humanitarian problems
Humanitarian agencies are trying to prevent the spread of diseases in Gaza amid severe overcrowding and deteriorating public health conditions.
By Nathan Morley
A cease‑fire in Gaza has become a “cruel and deadly illusion,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said, as recent figures show more than 250 Palestinian children have been killed since the truce was announced in October 2025.
In his recent comments, Elder said at least one child has been killed every day, with more than 400 others injured, many suffering life‑changing wounds.
He said children are dying in places where they should be safe — homes, schools and shelters — and warned that constant exposure to violence has left many with severe psychological trauma.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions across Gaza remain dire.
Aid agencies report severe shortages of engine oil, tires and spare parts, threatening life‑saving operations. The International Committee of the Red Cross says water production has fallen to about 40% of pre‑October 2023 levels due to a lack of chemicals and spare parts.
More than 70% of Gaza’s population now relies on trucked drinking water supplied by UNRWA and partner organizations. According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 1.1 million children face uncertain access to water every day.
Elsewhere, the UN is supporting farmers who are struggling to rebuild their smallholdings in areas devastated by the Hamas-Israel war. The UN warned that farmers “are squeezed into rapidly shrinking space” amid ongoing Israeli military activity.
Amid all this, UN World Food Programme has issued an urgent appeal for easier access to Gaza to reach more Palestinians with critical aid.
There is only one crossing point open into the enclave from Israel at Kerem Shalom, which is in the very south of the Strip.
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