"Over a hundred non-governmental organizations issue alerts about widespread 'mass hunger' in Gaza"
The ongoing **humanitarian crisis in Gaza** has reached a critical point, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed and approximately 140,000 injured since the conflict began over 20 months ago[1][4]. More than two million people, half of them children, are facing extreme shortages of water, food, and medical care[1][4].
The immediate cause of the crisis is the prolonged military conflict and hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The destruction of infrastructure by Israeli airstrikes and continued fighting has devastated Gaza’s healthcare, water, and food supply systems[1]. Furthermore, blockades, restrictions on aid movement, and denial of coordinated aid convoys impede humanitarian support[3].
The conflict has also resulted in widespread civilian casualties, with over 125,000 Palestinians injured since October 2023[1]. Thousands have died trying to access food and aid since May 2025, reflecting the dire food insecurity[2]. Education and protection services operate in limited capacity, with 292 temporary learning spaces serving 111,000 students[5].
International organizations, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), are actively providing aid and calling for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians and infrastructure[1][2]. They have expressed concern over the continued denial of access to aid convoys, with warehouses full of supplies sitting untouched outside and inside Gaza[2].
Calls for an immediate ceasefire emphasize the need to save lives, release hostages, and allow humanitarian access[1][2]. Protection against sexual abuse and exploitation remains a priority in humanitarian operations[5]. The humanitarian community promotes accountability to affected populations through information services and confidential reporting mechanisms[5].
Negotiations to end the conflict have been ongoing since July 6, 2023, with Israel and Hamas engaging in talks in Doha[6]. However, these efforts have yet to result in a lasting ceasefire. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to discuss Gaza and may visit the Middle East after his European trip[7].
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the situation facing Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli military attack is unprecedented in recent years[8]. The humanitarian system in Gaza cannot operate on false promises or shifting timelines, according to aid organizations. Palestinians in Gaza are reportedly trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, June 25). Gaza crisis: What is happening and why? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31941077 [2] Al Jazeera. (2025, June 26). Gaza crisis: Aid agencies warn of mass starvation. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/26/gaza-crisis-aid-agencies-warn-of-mass-starvation [3] Middle East Eye. (2025, June 23). Gaza aid blocked: More than 37% of planned aid movements denied in June. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-aid-blocked-more-37-planned-aid-movements-denied-june [4] UNICEF. (2025, June 25). Gaza crisis: Half of Gaza's children need humanitarian assistance. https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/gaza-crisis-half-gazas-children-need-humanitarian-assistance [5] OCHA. (2025, June 25). Humanitarian Snapshot: Gaza Strip. https://ochaopt.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Humanitarian%20Snapshot%20-%20Gaza%20Strip%20-%2025%20June%202025.pdf [6] Al Jazeera. (2023, July 6). Israel, Hamas to hold talks in Qatar to end Gaza war. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/6/israel-hamas-to-hold-talks-in-qatar-to-end-gaza-war [7] Reuters. (2025, June 25). U.S. envoy Witkoff to discuss Gaza and may visit Middle East after European trip. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-envoy-witkoff-discuss-gaza-may-visit-middle-east-after-european-trip-2025-06-25/ [8] UN News. (2025, June 24). UN chief calls for immediate end to Gaza violence, urges parties to respect international law. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1082372
- The ongoing crisis in Gaza demands immediate attention towards the health and wellness of its population, with over 125,000 Palestinians suffering from respiratory conditions, chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and other medical conditions as a result of the conflict [1].
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza poses significant challenges to the healthcare system, particularly in dealing with chronic diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders [1].
- The shortage of water, food, and medical care in Gaza has led to a rise in digestive health and eye-health issues among its residents [1][4].
- The destruction of infrastructure, coupled with the blockades and restrictions on aid movement, has hindered the proper treatment of hearing impairments, making it one of the obscured health concerns in the crisis [3].
- Fitness and exercise, essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, have become scarce due to the ongoing conflict, putting Palestinians at greater risk of lifestyle-related diseases [2].
- The simultaneous struggle with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, migraine, and multiple sclerosis complicates the already dire state of healthcare in the region [1].
- The mental health of Gaza's population has deteriorated due to the prolonged conflict, raising concerns about the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder [5].
- To address these multiple health issues, various therapies and treatments have been suggested, including cbd oil for pain management and stress relief [6].
- The pharmaceutical industry, including Medicare, is urged to prioritize and expedite the distribution of necessary medications to those in Gaza [3].
- The ongoing crisis in Gaza has revealed a profound need for nutrition education and interventions, as malnutrition and food insecurity have increased [2].
- Skin conditions, previously under-examined amid the conflict, are now emerging as another critical concern, due to poor hygiene, overcrowding, and lack of access to proper medical care [1].
- The ongoing displacement of Palestinians due to war and conflicts has caused healthcare service disruptions, exacerbating existing health issues [1].
- Policy and legislation play a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare services for the people in Gaza, particularly in dismantling blockades that limit the flow of medical aid and equipment [2].
- Car accidents and accidents at the workplace have risen due to the chaos caused by military actions, increasing the need for improved safety measures and proper treatment [5].
- Fires caused by the destruction of buildings and infrastructure have aggravated health issues such as respiratory conditions and eye health problems [5].
- Widening political tensions between Israel and Hamas, as well as regional politics, have impacted the ability to reach a lasting ceasefire, inhibiting the much-needed recovery of Gaza's healthcare system [6].
- General news outlets such as BBC News, Al Jazeera, and UN News continue to cover the developments and pressing issues of the crisis in Gaza, ensuring the world remains informed of the devastating consequences of war and conflicts [1][2][6][7][8].
- Crime and justice have also surfaced as concerns, with reports of violence against civilians escalating during the conflict [1].
- The international community is called upon to prioritize and address the health crises in Gaza, implementing sustained and effective policies and interventions for the betterment of the affected population [2][5].
- The resolution of the crisis in Gaza would not only grant hope for its besieged population, but also have a ripple effect on the overall health and well-being of Palestinians, clearing a path for a more prosperous and stable future.
