UNRWA Reports Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Amid Aid Restrictions

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported a severe deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, attributing the crisis to persistent restrictions on aid access. Despite ongoing efforts to provide essential services such as healthcare, education, shelter, and food assistance, the agency stated that the current needs far surpass its capacity under existing limitations.

"Humanitarian conditions remain dire, along with constraints on humanitarian access," UNRWA emphasized, calling for an immediate lifting of these restrictions.

The health sector in Gaza is particularly affected. Bassam Zaqout, director of medical relief in Gaza, described the state of healthcare as being in "deadly paralysis." He highlighted that hospitals are on the brink of collapse due to acute fuel shortages and a lack of spare parts for critical equipment like generators. Zaqout also noted that residents are experiencing extreme exhaustion from severe water and food shortages, with essential goods becoming unaffordable for 80% of the population due to inflated prices.

In response, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reported that between February 8 and 14, 4,200 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza, delivering food, medical supplies, and shelter equipment, prioritized by international organizations.

Despite these efforts, Gaza's health authorities reported an escalation in violence, with two more Palestinians killed within the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10, 2025, to 611, alongside 1,630 injuries. Since the onset of military operations on October 7, 2023, the cumulative casualty toll has reached 72,069 deaths and 171,728 injuries in the territory.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, necessitating urgent attention and action from the international community to alleviate the suffering of its residents.