Gaza's civilian population is battling a dual crisis of extreme heat and collapsing infrastructure as basic survival becomes increasingly untenable, according to United Nations humanitarian agencies. Temperatures exceeding 30°C compound the challenges of securing food and clean water, with UN officials describing daily life as 'impossible' for many.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported Friday that critical infrastructure failures – including repeated damage to the South Gaza desalination plant – have left water systems operating at less than 14% capacity. Meanwhile, aid deliveries face 18-hour delays at checkpoints despite urgent needs.
While limited commercial truck entries have slightly reduced food prices, OCHA noted most essentials remain 'scarce and exorbitantly priced.' The agency reiterated warnings about deadly risks from airdrops, emphasizing that road transport remains the only viable solution for large-scale aid distribution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over recent military developments, stating: 'This escalation risks deepening catastrophic consequences for millions while endangering hostages.' Humanitarian partners emphasize that opening all border crossings remains critical to preventing famine and disease outbreaks.
