The Gaza Strip is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with nearly 91% of its population now facing a severe food crisis, according to Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The ongoing Israeli blockade, which has completely sealed Gaza’s crossings since March 2, 2025, is preventing the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid, food, and goods, leading to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.

In a press statement on Thursday, Dr. Al-Bursh condemned the situation as a "horrific humanitarian tragedy" caused by Israel's deliberate siege, describing it as an act of "genocide" and calling attention to the ongoing violations of international law. He stated, “Gaza is experiencing hunger, poverty, and disease as a result of the suffocating siege imposed by Israel, preventing the entry of vital aid and causing the collapse of essential services.”

Dr. Al-Bursh further emphasized that “65% of Gaza’s population no longer has access to clean drinking water,” while an alarming 92% of children and breastfeeding mothers are suffering from acute nutritional deficiencies. He warned that these conditions are threatening the survival and development of the most vulnerable groups in Gaza, particularly the children.

“The Gaza Strip is facing total collapse across all sectors,” Dr. Al-Bursh continued. “Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war is in direct violation of international humanitarian law.”

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has also reported a severe deterioration in the health sector, with hospitals overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of the population. The absence of medical supplies and food has exacerbated the ongoing crisis, as widespread malnutrition and disease take hold.

In response to the devastating conditions, Dr. Al-Bursh called on the United Nations to urgently declare a state of famine in Gaza, highlighting that field data and medical reports confirm that Gaza is experiencing famine conditions. He further urged the international community to take immediate action to support Gaza’s health and food sectors, which are on the brink of collapse.

The Government Media Office in Gaza echoed these dire warnings, announcing that Gaza has entered an “advanced stage of famine,” caused by the continued closure of the crossings and the restriction of vital supplies. Ismail Al-Thawabteh, Director-General of the office, stressed that the Israeli occupation has kept Gaza's borders closed for over two months, resulting in unprecedented suffering for the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped inside.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), also weighed in, describing the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” with over two million people suffering from hunger. The WHO has been struggling with a historic funding crisis, further hampering its ability to provide support to Gaza’s desperate population.

The humanitarian catastrophe is compounded by the ongoing displacement of Palestinians, with more than 90% of Gaza’s population now displaced from their homes. Many have been forced into overcrowded shelters or are exposed to the elements, which has led to a rapid spread of diseases and epidemics.

The dire situation follows Israel's resumed assault on Gaza, which began on March 18, 2025, after Israel reneged on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Palestinian resistance factions. Since the resumption of the siege, Gaza’s humanitarian conditions have reached their breaking point, with reports from human rights organizations and international bodies confirming that the population is facing an unprecedented level of suffering.

The Gaza Strip has endured over 19 months of continuous bombardment and siege, leaving the majority of the population impoverished. According to the World Bank, Gaza's economy has all but collapsed, and the region is now entirely reliant on international humanitarian aid to survive.

Since the Israeli attacks began in October 2023, more than 170,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, with over 11,000 reported missing. This has been described by global human rights organizations as an ongoing act of genocide, supported by the U.S. government, which has provided unwavering backing to Israel throughout the crisis.

The international community has faced growing pressure to take immediate action to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Calls for stronger measures to end the blockade, provide aid, and hold Israel accountable for its actions continue to grow louder.

As Gaza’s people endure unimaginable hardships, the international community’s response remains critical in determining the future of the Palestinian population and the region's path toward justice and peace. (ILKHA)