UN Warns Gaza Blockade Creating Catastrophic Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that Israel’s blockade of Gaza, now lasting over 50 days, is causing a rapid depletion of essential humanitarian supplies including food, fuel, medical aid, and childhood vaccines. UNRWA reported that its flour supplies have completely run out and only 250 food parcels remained just two days ago. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the situation as dire, with children starving, the sick not receiving medical treatment, and people dying. He emphasized that the time has come to lift the restrictions immediately.

The blockade has driven prices of basic necessities to unprecedented levels, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Their market monitoring analysis revealed that Gaza’s already fragile economy has been devastated, with food and essential goods prices increasing between 150% and 700%—and in some cases, up to 1400% compared to prices during the temporary ceasefire. In April alone, prices were 50% higher than in March. Cooking gas has surged by 4000% compared to pre-war levels and by 600% since the February ceasefire. UNRWA noted that many families are now using unsafe, makeshift methods for cooking due to the lack of fuel.

During his daily press briefing in New York, Dujarric said that a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) team, along with Acting Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec, visited Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. They also toured the main desalination plant in southern Gaza, which has been operating at just 15% capacity since early March due to power cuts imposed by Israel.