Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Overview of the Crisis
The escalation of hostilities that began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Widespread destruction, mass casualties, and near-total displacement have overwhelmed essential systems—healthcare, water, and sanitation—collapsing civilian capacity to survive and raising the specter of famine and epidemic disease.
The Roots of the Situation
This crisis represents a violent escalation of the decades-long Israeli–Palestinian conflict, shaped by:
Long-Standing Conflict
Key historical moments include the 1948 and 1967 wars, which led to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including Gaza.
Gaza Blockade
Since Hamas's takeover in 2007, Gaza has faced a tight blockade by Israel and Egypt, restricting movement and crippling its economy.
October 7th Escalation
Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, prompted a major military response by Israel, triggering the current emergency.
The Current Humanitarian Impact
Mass Casualties and Displacement
As of June 2025, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed (many of them women and children), with 1.9–2.1 million—around 90–100% of Gaza's population—displaced, often multiple times. Acute daily civilian death tolls continue, with recent airstrikes killing dozens more.
Collapse of Healthcare and Infrastructure
Over 80% of medical facilities are damaged or destroyed, and only a small fraction remain partly operational. Utility infrastructure has failed: electricity, water, sanitation, roads, schools, and homes are largely in ruins.
Imminent Famine & Disease
The full Gaza population faces acute food insecurity, with approximately 470,000 people in EMT Phase 5 (catastrophe)—and nearly all others in phases 3–4. Severe malnutrition affects tens of thousands of children and mothers—UNICEF reports that 71,000 children and more than 17,000 women require urgent treatment.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, fuel supplies are critically low, and newborns face life-threatening shortages of baby formula.
My children have never seen a full meal… only the sound of the drones.
The International Response & Aid Obstacles
Aid delivery is severely constrained: conflict zones, destroyed routes, and blockades have limited humanitarian convoys. Even where permitted, distribution has met with violence and logistical breakdowns.
Diplomatic efforts by the UN Security Council have not achieved a lasting ceasefire nor safe access corridors. Funding is falling short: existing pledges are widely acknowledged as inadequate amid escalating famine risk.
We are trying to deliver life-saving aid while navigating an active warzone…Without a ceasefire…we cannot stop the slide into famine.
Urgent Priority Needs
The situation requires immediate action across multiple fronts:
- Ceasefire: An immediate and sustained halt to hostilities to prevent further civilian suffering.
- Safe, Unimpeded Access: To ensure delivery of food, fuel, water, and medical supplies.
- Food & Nutrition: Mass food distribution, therapeutic feeding for malnourished children.
- Restore Services: Clean water, sanitation, fuel for remaining functioning hospitals.
- Emergency Shelter: Protection for displaced families, especially vulnerable groups.
Key Statistics
Data updated from verified sources
Quick Facts
Location
Gaza Strip, Palestine
Crisis Escalation
October 7, 2023
Population
2.1M (90-100% displaced)
Most Critical Needs
Support Organizations
International Committee of the Red Cross
Providing emergency medical care, water, and protection services in Gaza and the occupied territories.