Situation in Gaza among ‘worst humanitarian failures’, NGOs warn
The humanitarian aid system in Gaza is “facing total collapse” due to Israel’s blockade on aid and supplies, ongoing since March 2, the heads of 12 major aid organisations have warned, urging Israel to let them “do our jobs”.
“This is one of the worst humanitarian failures of our generation,” the chief executives of 12 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, wrote in a statement.
Israel has promised to maintain its blockage on humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory, arguing it is the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 captives still held there.
“Every single person in Gaza is relying on humanitarian aid to survive …That lifeline has been completely cut off since a blockade on all aid supplies was imposed by Israeli authorities on March 2.”
Lifesaving services in Gaza ‘on the brink of total collapse’: UN
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, said “humanitarian supplies are nearing total depletion” after Israel stopped entry of cargo, including humanitarian aid, into Gaza on March 2.
“The lifesaving services are on the brink of a total collapse,” Dujarric said. “For example, in Gaza City, only three ambulances for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society out of 30 are currently operational, and that’s due to the lack of fuel to operate those ambulances.”
He added that ongoing hostilities and dwindling aid supplies have “driven up the stress levels”. “Especially among children with mental health needs, [needs are] growing by the day,” he said.
ICRC ‘outraged’ after Gaza premises damaged by explosive
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said it was “outraged” that its premises in Gaza were damaged by an explosive on Wednesday. “This is the second such incident in three weeks,” the organisation said on X, adding that a second location was struck by a tank shell on March 24. ICRC did not disclose where its facilities were located.
“Both incidents occurred despite the buildings being clearly marked and regularly notified to all parties,” it said. “We condemn in the strongest terms any action that inhibits our ability to do our work and risks the lives of humanitarian workers.”
The last 24 hours were deadly for children in Gaza.
Airstrikes on tents in Gaza reportedly killed 15 children, including a child with disabilities who burned to death.
Images of children burning while sheltering in makeshift tents should shake us all to our core. pic.twitter.com/UiIEM7yl5X
— Catherine Russell (@unicefchief) April 17, 2025
