Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens amid food, water and medical shortages

Israeli assaults and the ongoing blockade have devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, killing at least 72,945 people and wounding more than 173,000. The bombardments have shattered infrastructure, collapsed the health system and left millions without reliable electricity, clean water or adequate shelter.

Humanitarian access remains severely limited. United Nations data show many families have been forced to cut meals, while UNICEF reports over two million people struggle to obtain safe drinking water. Of the 147,000 aid trucks slated to enter, only about 53,000 have been permitted through, and the majority face arbitrary delays. The Turkish‑Romanian Yetim Vakfı has contributed roughly 440 million TL in aid, providing hot meals for 1,000 people daily, weekly water deliveries to 845 families and medical services for thousands of patients.

The medical crisis is acute for cancer patients. The sole specialized facility, the Palestine‑Turkey Friendship Hospital, was rendered inoperative after March 2025 bombardments, leaving roughly 11,000 cancer patients without chemotherapy, pain relief or surgery. Patients report years‑long waiting for exit permits to seek treatment abroad, while essential medicines remain unavailable within the enclave.