The Gaza humanitarian crisis is a direct consequence of the prolonged conflict, blockade, and political divisions in the region. Why are several U.N. organisations alerting us to the dire starvation and food crisis in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave? What is the economic situation in Gaza? Read here to learn more.
The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007, following Hamas’ takeover.
This blockade, along with repeated cycles of conflict between Israel and Hamas, has severely impacted the living conditions in Gaza, leading to widespread humanitarian issues.
Gaza Humanitarian crisis
The Palestinian enclave has developed into the “largest open-air graveyard” in the world, as Israel’s war on Gaza enters its sixth month.
- According to U.N. warnings, a famine on the 2.3-million-person small stretch of land is imminent.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration promises to keep up its military campaign until “Hamas is dismantled,” in defiance of mounting international calls for a truce.
- The majority of the enclave’s residents have already fled to the southern town of Rafah as a result of the war, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing numerous people.
- A large portion of Gaza has already been devastated. The majority of the Palestinian deaths from Israel’s bombardment over the past five months have been reported by Gaza’s health officials to be women and children.
- Over 74,000 individuals have sustained injuries. Gaza lacks sufficient hospitals, doctors, medications, clean water, and other medical supplies to treat the injured.
- Also, it has been reported that hunger and starvation are ravaging the Palestinian enclave as Israel’s siege cuts off food supplies.
Economic Hardship
- Unemployment: Gaza faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, especially among its youth. The blockade severely restricts the movement of people and goods, limiting economic opportunities and business growth.
- Poverty: A significant portion of Gaza’s population lives below the poverty line, struggling to meet basic needs such as food, clean water, and shelter.
- Displacement: Numerous Israelis and Palestinians are being displaced from their homes due to the attacks on either side.
Health Crisis
- Medical Supplies and Facilities: The health system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, often overwhelmed by the influx of casualties during conflicts and suffering from chronic shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and electricity.
- Water and Sanitation: Over 90% of the water in Gaza is unfit for drinking, contributing to health issues. The destruction of infrastructure and restrictions on imports of necessary materials hinder efforts to address water and sanitation problems.
Infrastructure and Housing
- Destruction of Homes and Buildings: Repeated conflicts have resulted in the extensive destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure. Many families are displaced, living in temporary shelters or in homes that have not been rebuilt since the wars.
- Electricity Shortages: Gaza faces severe electricity shortages, with residents often having access to power for only a few hours a day. This affects every aspect of life, from healthcare to education and basic living conditions.
Education
- Impact on Children and Schools: The ongoing conflict and economic blockade have severely affected children’s education. Many schools have been damaged or destroyed, and the psychological effects of the conflict have made learning difficult for thousands of children.
Read: Children and armed conflict
Psychological Impact
- Trauma and Mental Health: The population of Gaza, particularly children, suffer from high levels of psychological stress and trauma due to the constant threat of conflict, the noise of drones overhead, and the loss of loved ones.
- Mental health services are limited and overwhelmed by the demand.
Humanitarian Aid
- Restrictions and Needs: While international organizations and NGOs provide vital aid, including food, medical supplies, and emergency assistance, blockade and security restrictions often delay or limit the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- The political rift between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority complicates aid distribution and governance.
History of Gaza

The history of Gaza is long, complex, and deeply interwoven with the broader history of the Middle East.
This small strip of land along the Mediterranean coast has been a significant site for various civilizations, empires, and cultures throughout millennia, owing to its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and Asia.
Ancient Period
- Bronze Age and Earlier: Evidence suggests that Gaza was inhabited as far back as the 5th millennium BCE. It became a significant Canaanite city and later came under Egyptian control in the 2nd millennium BCE.
- Philistines: Around 1200 BCE, Gaza became a major city of the Philistines, a people who settled along the southern coast of Canaan and frequently clashed with the Israelites.
- Persian and Greek Periods: Gaza was conquered by the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE and later by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE, after a prolonged siege.
- Hellenistic and Roman Eras: Following Alexander’s death, Gaza experienced Hellenistic influences under the Ptolemies and Seleucids. It was later absorbed into the Roman Empire and became a prosperous city, known for its wealth and learning.
Islamic Era
- Early Islamic Period: Gaza was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate in the 7th century CE, marking the beginning of Islamic rule.
- Crusades and Mamluk Rule: The city was contested during the Crusades, changing hands between Crusader and Muslim forces, until it was ultimately incorporated into the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt in the 13th century.
- Ottoman Empire: In 1516, Gaza became part of the Ottoman Empire, under which it remained until the early 20th century. Its importance declined due to changes in trade routes and regional conflicts.
Modern Period
- British Mandate: Post-World War I, Gaza came under British Mandate Palestine. The period was marked by growing tensions between Jewish and Arab communities over competing national aspirations.
- 1948 Arab-Israeli War: Following the end of the British Mandate and the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, Gaza was captured by Egypt in the ensuing conflict. It became home to many Palestinian refugees.
- Six-Day War and Israeli Occupation: In 1967, Israel captured Gaza during the Six-Day War. The area was then under Israeli military administration until 1994.
- Palestinian Authority and Hamas Control: The Oslo Accords in the 1990s led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which took over some governance functions in Gaza.
- In 2006, Hamas won legislative elections in the Palestinian territories and subsequently took control of Gaza in 2007, leading to a blockade by Israel and Egypt, with significant impacts on Gaza’s economy and humanitarian conditions.
The recent history of Gaza has been marked by recurrent conflicts between Israel and Hamas, including significant escalations in 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014, and more skirmishes and protests in the following years.
The major offensive of 2023 has not yet ended.
- These conflicts have resulted in high casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
- Efforts to reconcile the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, as well as international mediation attempts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have so far not resulted in a lasting peace.
- The situation in Gaza remains one of the most challenging in the world, with political, humanitarian, and security issues deeply intertwined.
Way forward
The international community has repeatedly expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an end to the blockade, protection of civilian lives, and a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, political solutions have remained elusive, and the situation in Gaza remains a stark example of how prolonged conflict and political impasse can lead to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza are ongoing, with various UN agencies, international NGOs, and some countries providing support.
Nonetheless, without a political resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is likely to remain critical.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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