Gaza: Israel’s ongoing blockade on the Gaza Strip is having a severe impact on children, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The agency warned on Wednesday that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating as essential aid and supplies remain blocked.
According to Anadolu Agency, the blockade has been in effect for over five weeks, suspending the entry of aid and commercial supplies into Gaza. UNRWA highlighted that basic necessities such as safe water, food, shelter, and medical care are becoming increasingly scarce, with children bearing the brunt of these shortages.
Since March 2, Israel has closed Gaza’s crossings, restricting the entry of essential goods, which has further deteriorated the humanitarian conditions in the region. The situation is particularly dire in northern Gaza, where children are prioritizing the search for water above education or play, UNRWA stated.
The Israeli army’s decision to halt the flow of water from the Israeli company Mekorot on Saturday has exacerbated the crisis, cutting off 70% of Gaza’s total water supply. The renewed military assault on Gaza, which began on March 18, has resulted in nearly 1,500 deaths and 3,700 injuries, breaking a ceasefire agreement from January.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently vowed to intensify military actions in alignment with US President Donald Trump’s plans to relocate Palestinians. The ongoing conflict has led to the deaths of more than 50,800 Palestinians since October 2023, predominantly affecting women and children.
International legal actions are underway, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.