The population continues to suffer from a lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, medical care, and shelter.
Catastrophic Humanitarian Crises in Gaza: Widespread Destruction & Suffering Since the onset of the Israeli offensive on Gaza on 7 October 2023, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has worsened drastically, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. As of 15 April 2025, more than 51,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed, with over 116,000 injured. The figures reflect the intense and ongoing attacks, particularly following the breach of a ceasefire on 18 March. In the period between 8 and 15 April alone, 190 Palestinians were killed, and 655 others were injured. These casualties include numerous incidents where entire families were wiped out, and individuals were trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings, further exacerbating the suffering.
The attacks on Gaza have not spared humanitarian staff or infrastructure. Since October 2023, at least 417 aid workers, including 294 UN staff, have been killed, underscoring the extreme risks faced by those attempting to provide assistance. Medical personnel have also become direct targets; on 13 April, an Israeli airstrike hit Al-Ahli Hospital, causing significant damage to its facilities. This is not the first time medical establishments have been attacked, as numerous hospitals and medical workers have been victims of violence, disrupting health care services and contributing to the ongoing health crisis.
The destruction of hospitals and medical facilities, compounded by severe shortages of medical supplies, has rendered health care nearly impossible for the population. Medical staff are performing surgeries with inadequate resources, leading to a rise in permanent disabilities among survivors. Similarly, the closure of numerous health care centers has left the majority of the population without access to essential medical care. WHO and other humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the critical shortages of medicines and medical equipment, further worsened by the blockade on Gaza preventing essential supplies from reaching the region.
In addition to the direct loss of life, the Israeli military has imposed extensive forcible displacement orders. Since March 2025, approximately 69% of the Gaza Strip is under active displacement orders, with large sections of the population forcibly moved to increasingly smaller areas. These evacuations are largely without proper shelter or access to essential services like food, water, and sanitation, which only heightens the vulnerability of the displaced. Over 401,000 Palestinians have been displaced since mid-March, with entire neighborhoods turned into “no-go” zones. These forced displacements, combined with airstrikes on displacement tents, have led to more deaths, primarily among women and children.
The destruction of infrastructure has also had devastating impacts. Over 69% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, including homes, schools, and businesses. More than 80% of the road network and over 88% of the commercial sector have been affected. This has crippled the local economy and further impeded humanitarian aid efforts, making it harder for essential supplies to reach those in need.
The health and living conditions in Gaza have deteriorated further due to a lack of basic services. Water and food security have been severely impacted, with over one million meals being distributed daily, but these efforts are far from enough to meet the population’s needs. The blockade on food and other critical supplies has caused the consumption of vital food groups to drop significantly, leaving most of the population dependent on aid for survival. This has led to a rise in malnutrition, particularly among children, with thousands of children admitted for acute malnutrition in March alone.
Water insecurity is also a major crisis, with 91% of households facing severe water shortages. The destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has compounded this problem, as damage to wells, sewage pump stations, and desalination plants has made access to clean water and sanitation increasingly difficult. The ongoing conflict, combined with a lack of fuel to operate water and sewage systems, has created an environment conducive to waterborne diseases, further undermining public health.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence and destruction in Gaza have led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The population continues to suffer from a lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, medical care, and shelter. The international community has been repeatedly called upon to intervene and end the attacks, with a focus on ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need, and to hold accountable those responsible for the violations of international humanitarian law. However, the blockade and military actions by the Israeli occupation forces continue to hinder meaningful relief efforts, leaving millions of Palestinians in Gaza trapped in conditions that threaten their very survival.
