The Unfolding Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has reached a state of catastrophe, with Israel’s continued blockade and military operations creating an untenable environment for the 2.2 million Palestinians trapped in the enclave. Recent events have exacerbated an already desperate humanitarian crisis, leaving Gazans on the brink of total collapse.
The shutdown of Gaza’s only power plant in October 2023 has plunged the territory into darkness, severely limiting access to essential services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. “The blackout has plunged the Gaza strip into darkness and will exacerbate an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe,” said Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard. This collective punishment of the civilian population amounts to a “war crime – it is cruel and inhumane.”
The blockade, now in its 16th year, has decimated Gaza’s economy and infrastructure. Repeated Israeli military offensives have destroyed homes, hospitals, and critical facilities, leaving people without shelter, medical care, or basic necessities. “Nowhere in Gaza is safe,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The human toll is staggering. Over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed according to Gaza’s health ministry, with 87,000 injured and thousands missing. Meanwhile, more than 1,500 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed, with over 7,000 injured. The conflict has also led to the abduction of 125 hostages, held by Palestinian armed groups, who continue to suffer alongside their families.
The Breakdown of Humanitarian Operations
The ability of the UN and other aid organizations to provide life-saving assistance has been severely compromised. Humanitarian convoys frequently face deadly risks, with attacks on aid workers and shelters, as well as strikes near health facilities. “Lawlessness and criminality are rampant,” Guterres noted.
The UN’s humanitarian notification system and coordination mechanisms are not effective, resulting in delayed and aborted aid missions. “The UN still does not have the necessary security equipment in Gaza to manage the extreme risks that our personnel face,” Guterres said. Despite ongoing dialogue with Israeli authorities, much more is needed to create a safe enabling environment for humanitarian operations.
The breakdown in public order and the displacement of nearly the entire Gazan population have further exacerbated the crisis. Almost 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes, many multiple times. The lack of access to food, water, and essential services has pushed nearly half a million Gazans into catastrophic levels of food insecurity, with communicable diseases on the rise.
The Occupied West Bank: Escalating Violence and Loss of Hope
While the world’s attention is focused on Gaza, the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is also deteriorating at an alarming rate. High levels of violence persist, with 557 Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces between October 2023 and July 2024, including 138 children.
“The geography of the occupied West Bank is steadily being altered through Israeli administrative and legal steps,” Guterres warned. The seizure of land, the expansion of settlements, and the transfer of authority over daily life in the West Bank are “driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-State solution.”
These actions, which are in flagrant violation of international law, are “another significant advance in the ongoing transfer of authority over many aspects of daily life in the occupied West Bank, and a further step towards extending Israeli sovereignty over this occupied territory,” Guterres said.
The violence has also claimed the lives of 22 Israelis, including 9 members of the Israeli security forces, during the same period. The perpetual cycle of conflict is exacerbating instability, undermining the Palestinian Authority, and crippling the Palestinian economy.
A Moral Stain and the Imperative for Action
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank represent a moral stain on the international community. “The parties must fundamentally and urgently change their conduct to address these challenges,” Guterres demanded.
Israel, as the occupying power, has a clear obligation under international law to ensure the basic needs of the civilian population are met. The collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the blockade, the restriction of humanitarian aid, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure must end immediately.
“International humanitarian law must be respected – at all times and by all parties,” Guterres stressed. The United Nations and the broader international community must intensify efforts to increase humanitarian aid delivery, secure the release of all hostages, and support the Palestinian Authority in restoring governance and stability.
Ultimately, the path to a sustainable solution lies in the pursuit of a political resolution that “will end the occupation and resolve the conflict in line with international law, and relevant United Nations resolutions.” All those with influence must take the urgent steps needed to enable the parties to re-engage on this long-delayed political path.
The Joint Action for Water blog calls on its readers, the international community, and all stakeholders to demand action and accountability. The devastating conditions imposed on the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank must be addressed with the utmost urgency. Only then can we begin to heal the moral stain and work towards a just and lasting peace.
Practical Recommendations for Humanitarian Aid and Advocacy
As a seasoned expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I offer the following recommendations to help alleviate the crisis and support the Palestinian people:
Increase Humanitarian Aid Delivery
- Advocate for consistent and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid convoys through all crossing points, including Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom, to ensure the timely delivery of life-saving supplies.
- Urge the international community to provide the necessary security equipment and logistical support to enable the UN and aid organizations to operate safely in Gaza.
- Call for the establishment of secure humanitarian corridors to facilitate the distribution of aid and the movement of those in need of medical care outside of Gaza.
Enhance Community Engagement and Capacity Building
- Collaborate with local Palestinian organizations to strengthen community-based water and sanitation infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to clean water and proper waste management.
- Invest in health education programs that empower Palestinians to maintain good hygiene practices and prevent the spread of communicable diseases exacerbated by the crisis.
- Support the development of community-led initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, such as water conservation and renewable energy projects, to build resilience.
Advocate for Political Resolution and Accountability
- Demand that Israel, as the occupying power, fulfill its obligations under international law to protect the rights and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population.
- Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, and the cessation of all violence against civilians.
- Urge the international community to intensify efforts towards a political solution that will end the occupation and resolve the conflict in line with international law and UN resolutions.
- Demand accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties to the conflict, through international judicial mechanisms if necessary.
The people of Gaza and the West Bank have endured unimaginable suffering for far too long. It is our collective responsibility to amplify their voices, demand justice, and work tirelessly towards a future where all Palestinians can live in peace, dignity, and with access to the basic necessities of life. The time for action is now.
