Gaza faces humanitarian crisis amid aid cuts and economic collapse

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is deteriorating as international aid decreases and the local economy collapses. The loss of income and employment for hundreds of thousands has made humanitarian assistance a vital lifeline for the majority of the population.

According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, the reduction of international relief programs threatens hundreds of thousands of lives. Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the office, stated that funding shortages have forced the World Food Programme to reduce its number of beneficiaries from approximately 1.5 million to 1.1 million people. This reduction includes a decrease in daily hot meals from 250,000 to 150,000.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization has reduced its support and fuel supplies for medical facilities. Continued fuel shortages pose a direct threat to the operation of hospitals and essential services, placing patients and the wounded at increased risk. While commercial goods are appearing in markets, high prices and diminished household incomes have created a widening gap between food availability and the ability of families to afford it.