UN agency warns of unrelenting hunger crisis in Gaza, cites violations

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza remains severe and largely unchanged despite a ceasefire in place for over two months, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Tuesday. In a statement, the agency described "overwhelming" needs, with families enduring severe shortages, widespread destruction, and a persistent "man-made hunger crisis" affecting the majority of the enclave's population.

An Enclave Gripped by Famine-Level Hunger

Citing the latest authoritative report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), UNRWA stated that 1.6 million people in Gaza—most of its population—are now confronting acute food insecurity. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini was quoted declaring that "Gaza remains in a man-made hunger crisis." The agency stressed that its own teams, who are themselves displaced, continue working under extreme conditions to support affected families, highlighting the scale of the devastation that hampers even relief organizations.

Systemic Shortfalls in Aid and Persistent Violence

The dire conditions are exacerbated by a systemic failure to deliver the aid promised under the ceasefire agreement. According to data from the Gaza Government Media Office, an average of only 244 humanitarian aid trucks are entering Gaza daily, far short of the 600 trucks per day stipulated in the truce. The delivery of fuel—critical for water desalination, hospitals, and aid distribution—is even worse, with an average of five trucks per day against a pledged minimum of 50. This represents a total compliance rate not exceeding 41%. Furthermore, the office reported 875 ceasefire violations by the Israeli army since October 10, resulting in 411 Palestinian fatalities and 1,112 injuries.

A Ceasefire That Has Not Brought Relief

The current ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, halted two years of intense conflict that had killed nearly 71,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023. However, UNRWA's assessment makes clear that the cessation of major hostilities has not translated into meaningful recovery or adequate humanitarian relief for Gaza's trapped civilian population. The warnings point to a protracted crisis of survival, with international commitments unmet and the threat of violence still present.