Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a continued blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, intensifying concerns over a deepening humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region. Katz stated that preventing aid serves as a 'pressure lever' against Hamas, asserting that no preparations are underway to allow supplies into the area. The policy comes amid resurgent military operations following the collapse of a short-lived ceasefire in March.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that Gaza now faces its most dire conditions since hostilities began in October 2023. With no aid deliveries for six weeks, OCHA reported critical shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and drinking water, forcing aid groups to ration dwindling resources.
Over 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza remain under strict Israeli control over aid access, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced by renewed bombardment. Analysts warn the restrictions risk exacerbating regional instability as international organizations call for urgent intervention to prevent further civilian suffering.
