Palestinians in Gaza city inspect the damage following an 'Israeli' airstrike
90% of Gaza residents unable to afford basic needs: UN
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- Aid restrictions and displacement worsen living conditions across Gaza.
- UN warns of a potential catastrophic scenario within months.
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza continues to deteriorate two months after a ceasefire came into effect, with forced displacement ongoing and living conditions worsening, according to Palestinian civil society leaders.
Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza, said the crisis has grown more complex as ‘Israeli’ policies continue to restrict movement, aid, and access to basic necessities.
Shrinking space, mass displacement
Al-Shawa said ‘Israeli’ forces have confined hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to just 41 percent of Gaza, an area of less than 100 square kilometers, under increasingly harsh conditions.
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More than half a million Palestinians have lost their homes, while thousands are living in the remains of destroyed buildings, he said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Poverty, hunger spread
Shortages of goods, soaring prices, and the loss of livelihoods have left 90 percent of Gaza’s population unable to afford basic needs, according to Al-Shawa.
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The health situation is also worsening due to the spread of waste and the destruction of water and sewage networks, further compounding risks to public health.
Aid fails to meet needs
Al-Shawa said the limited aid allowed in by ‘Israel’ has failed to meaningfully improve conditions, citing strict controls on the types of materials permitted to enter.
“These restrictions widen the gap in basic needs and prevent any real humanitarian recovery,” he said.
He added that ‘Israel’ allows in only very small quantities of essential supplies, particularly food, hygiene items, and sanitation materials.
Malnutrition risks rise
Displacement and overcrowded shelter conditions have worsened malnutrition, especially among children, a problem Al-Shawa said is partly linked to declining hygiene standards.
Traders are reportedly able to bring in only about 20 percent of the fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein needed, with heavy coordination fees driving prices beyond the reach of most families.
Al-Shawa said ‘Israel’ continues to refuse the entry of essential protein sources, eggs, and fresh food as free aid, a policy he said is having a severe impact on children and pregnant women.
UN warns of catastrophe
The United Nations has warned that Gaza could face a catastrophic humanitarian scenario within months if current policies continue.
UN reports say 77 percent of Palestinians in Gaza are trapped in a cycle of hunger, while 90 percent go an entire day without regular access to food.
Due to prolonged deprivation, around 70 percent of children are born prematurely or underweight, and roughly 100,000 children and thousands of pregnant women face potential malnutrition, according to UN data.
The World Health Organization reports that only nine hospitals remain operational in Gaza, down from 36 before the war.
