Despite eased restrictions, humanitarian deliveries remain too little, too late amid rising death toll and deepening crisis
Israel has allowed 100 truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza following weeks of international pressure, but the United Nations warns that the deliveries are far from enough to halt a looming famine and prevent further humanitarian collapse.
“This is progress,” said a UN spokesperson, “but not nearly sufficient to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis.”
The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that six more Palestinians, including two children, have died from hunger-related causes, bringing the total death toll from starvation to 133 since the war began in October 2023.
Humanitarian Pauses, Continued Strikes
Israel’s military had earlier announced daily “humanitarian pauses” in parts of Gaza to allow aid convoys to pass through. However, those pauses have been widely criticized as inconsistent and ineffective.
Within the same period, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 63 people, including 34 civilians who were reportedly seeking aid.
Mounting Casualties and Global Concern
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 59,733 Palestinians have been killed and 144,477 wounded since the beginning of the war.
In Israel, the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks resulted in 1,139 deaths and the capture of more than 200 hostages—events that sparked the current military campaign.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts and partial easing of restrictions, humanitarian organizations and UN officials emphasize that the scale of aid permitted remains grossly inadequate.
Without a sustained ceasefire and unrestricted access for food, water, and medical supplies, experts warn the crisis in Gaza will only worsen—especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and the displaced.