Civilian conditions in Gaza under siege, including food, shelter, flooding and psychosocial impacts

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire as the region grapples with the devastating impacts of an intensified siege, widespread destruction, and collapsing infrastructure. Civilians are enduring unimaginable hardships, with daily life under a fragile ceasefire marked by ongoing violence, displacement, and severe shortages of essential resources.

Casualty Figures, Displacement, and Daily Life Under Fragile Ceasefires

Since early 2026, the escalation of Israeli restrictions has led to a near-total blockade of Gaza’s borders and maritime access. The Kerem Shalom crossing, the main gateway for food, fuel, and medical supplies, has become almost entirely shut, while the Rafah crossing to Egypt remains sporadically open and insufficient to meet the needs of Gaza’s over 2 million residents. This comprehensive blockade functions as a form of collective punishment, severely crippling Gaza’s economy and infrastructure.

The human toll is staggering. Recent reports indicate that over 611 Palestinians have been killed since February 2026, with more than 46,000 injuries requiring reconstructive surgeries—many of which cannot be performed locally due to the crisis. The destruction of hospitals, water, and sanitation infrastructure has compounded suffering. 94% of Gaza’s healthcare facilities are non-functional or operate under severe restrictions, hampering emergency response and routine care.

Displacement remains widespread, with thousands trapped in unsafe zones amid ongoing hostilities. Humanitarian organizations face unprecedented obstacles: in January 2024, Israel revoked licenses for 37 aid organizations, including major NGOs like MSF, hindering aid delivery and medical evacuations. Only five Palestinians have been evacuated abroad for critical medical treatment since 2024, reflecting the severe restrictions on movement and aid access. Civilians, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, are dying while waiting for medical permits or aid.

Flooding, Food Insecurity, and Psychosocial Impacts

Recent heavy rains and ongoing bombardments have caused severe flooding, especially in displaced camps such as al-Taawun, destroying fragile shelters and worsening sanitation crises. Flooded tents and inundated homes leave displaced families exposed to waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The sanitation crisis, coupled with continued violence, has led to outbreaks of infectious diseases, further overwhelming Gaza’s already strained healthcare system.

Food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with thousands of residents facing severe shortages of basic supplies. Many families depend on aid distributions, yet restrictions threaten to halt humanitarian assistance altogether. Community kitchens and local bakeries, such as those participating in Ramadan initiatives, continue to provide some relief, but the scale of need far exceeds available resources.

Psychosocial trauma is pervasive. Children and adults alike grapple with the psychological scars of war, displacement, and loss. Initiatives like art therapy and community radio broadcasts offer moments of hope and resilience, despite the restrictions and ongoing violence.

Ongoing Violence and Environmental Crises

Despite a fragile ceasefire, Israeli drone attacks and strikes persist, breaching agreements and escalating tensions. Recently, Israeli forces targeted police stations overnight, killing at least six Palestinians and demonstrating that violence continues to threaten civilian safety and stability. Heavy rains have worsened conditions, flooding tents and shelters, and compounding the environmental crisis.

International Response and Urgent Needs

The international community has expressed deep concern over Gaza’s worsening crisis. The European Union has called for expanding access via Rafah, emphasizing that 600 humanitarian workers have been killed since the conflict’s escalation. The United Nations describes Gaza’s situation as "catastrophic," with over 611 Palestinians killed and thousands wounded.

Urgent actions required include:

• Opening humanitarian corridors, especially through Rafah, to facilitate aid and evacuations.
• Protecting aid workers and civilians from ongoing hostilities.
• Rebuilding critical infrastructure—water, sanitation, hospitals, and electricity grids.
• Addressing environmental crises caused by flooding and heavy rains.
• Ensuring sustained humanitarian access to prevent further deterioration and collapse of civil society.

Community Resilience Amidst Adversity

Despite these hardships, grassroots efforts continue to demonstrate resilience. Local aid groups, community networks, and cultural initiatives provide vital support—distributing food, psychosocial aid, and fostering hope amid despair. However, security measures and political restrictions increasingly constrain these efforts, threatening their sustainability.

In conclusion, Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe driven by an intensified siege, widespread destruction, and operational collapse. The blockade’s devastating impact on health, water, food, and shelter, combined with ongoing violence and environmental crises, underscores the urgent need for the international community to intervene decisively. Immediate steps—including opening safe corridors, protecting aid workers, and supporting reconstruction—are critical to prevent further societal collapse and to uphold the rights and dignity of Gaza’s besieged population.