On May 5, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that nearly 35,000 Palestinians have died at the hands of Israeli forces since October 7. This highlights the grim situation faced by Palestinians, who are dealing with simultaneous crises of famine and sanitation worsened by Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees has raised concerns about the increasing waste crisis in the Gaza Strip, where thousands of tons of waste are piling up. With critical machinery damaged and access to landfills consistently denied, sanitation teams are struggling to prevent the spread of diseases. The agency has emphasized the urgent need for increased access to address these challenges effectively.
In Jabalia, a city in northern Gaza, as much as 40,000 tons of waste has accumulated, making the community resemble a landfill, according to the agency. As summer approaches, concerns about hygiene and sanitation are growing, with mosquitoes, flies, mice, and rats becoming more prevalent, leading to an increased risk of diseases.
Doctors Without Borders has highlighted Israel's role in hindering aid efforts, particularly in providing essential supplies to treat wounded civilians.
The organization cited instances where vital medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators crucial for treating malnourished children and people with severe blood loss, has been denied entry into Gaza.
Israeli authorities' control over the entry and exit points into Gaza has significantly limited the flow of supplies. The aid organization noted a significant decrease in the number of truckloads of supplies entering Gaza daily, from an estimated 500 before the conflict to below 100 by February 2024. This reduction has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The World Food Program has described the famine in Gaza as a "dark mark" on the world, condemning Israel's actions. The organization highlighted the desperate conditions faced by the population, including children dying of malnutrition and people resorting to animal fodder and soup made from leaves and grass for sustenance.
The World Food Program estimated that 300,000 people in northern Gaza alone are on the brink of catastrophic famine, with 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza experiencing severe food insecurity.
Despite the challenges, aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance. However, they emphasize the need for increased approvals and support to deliver aid effectively, as the scale of the crisis demands a significant and sustained effort. The impact of the conflict is not limited to Gaza, as the West Bank is also experiencing food shortages, further underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.