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Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
Outside the box.
UN Warns of Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict
International Agencies Urge Urgent Action as Israeli Blockade and Military Operations Intensify
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has declared the Gaza Strip a 'killing field', emphasizing that the situation is critical as humanitarian aid has substantially decreased.
Guterres stated, "aid has dried up [and] the floodgates of horror have re-opened", as Israel continues its blockade of goods and intensifies military actions against Hamas following the expiration of a ceasefire on 2 March.
Guterres' remarks were made against the backdrop of an urgent appeal from the heads of six UN agencies to global leaders, demanding immediate action to facilitate food and essential supplies to the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The heads of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) collectively stated that Gazans are "trapped, bombed and starved again."
Israel has asserted that there is sufficient food supply in Gaza to last for an extended period; however, UN agencies contest this claim, citing severe shortages of essential commodities.
Since the resumption of military operations on 18 March, the Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, has reported that over 1,449 Palestinians have been killed, although the Israeli military maintains that its operations target military objectives only.
Guterres reaffirmed Israel's obligations under international law as the occupying power, insisting that it must ensure the delivery of food and medical supplies to the civilian population.
In his statement, he stressed that the current trajectory of the conflict is unacceptable according to international law.
The UN agencies' joint statement highlighted the critical need for the international community to uphold humanitarian principles by protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.
The two-month pause in hostilities previously allowed for a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, the ongoing blockade has led to the closure of UN-supported bakeries and empty markets for fresh vegetables, with hospitals in Gaza beginning to ration essential medications such as painkillers and antibiotics.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, Gaza's health system remains overwhelmed and is facing an acute shortage of medical and trauma supplies, according to the UN agencies.
Reports indicate that during a recent escalation, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 58 individuals within a 24-hour period, including children and journalists.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has noted the death of a second journalist due to injuries sustained from an Israeli strike, underscoring the risks faced by media professionals in the conflict zone.
In a timeline of conflict escalation, the war was ignited following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages.
Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 50,810 Palestinian fatalities due to the ongoing military operations.
The international community continues to call for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for renewed ceasefires and adherence to humanitarian laws.
Guterres stated, "aid has dried up [and] the floodgates of horror have re-opened", as Israel continues its blockade of goods and intensifies military actions against Hamas following the expiration of a ceasefire on 2 March.
Guterres' remarks were made against the backdrop of an urgent appeal from the heads of six UN agencies to global leaders, demanding immediate action to facilitate food and essential supplies to the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The heads of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) collectively stated that Gazans are "trapped, bombed and starved again."
Israel has asserted that there is sufficient food supply in Gaza to last for an extended period; however, UN agencies contest this claim, citing severe shortages of essential commodities.
Since the resumption of military operations on 18 March, the Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, has reported that over 1,449 Palestinians have been killed, although the Israeli military maintains that its operations target military objectives only.
Guterres reaffirmed Israel's obligations under international law as the occupying power, insisting that it must ensure the delivery of food and medical supplies to the civilian population.
In his statement, he stressed that the current trajectory of the conflict is unacceptable according to international law.
The UN agencies' joint statement highlighted the critical need for the international community to uphold humanitarian principles by protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.
The two-month pause in hostilities previously allowed for a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of 33 hostages by Hamas in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, the ongoing blockade has led to the closure of UN-supported bakeries and empty markets for fresh vegetables, with hospitals in Gaza beginning to ration essential medications such as painkillers and antibiotics.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, Gaza's health system remains overwhelmed and is facing an acute shortage of medical and trauma supplies, according to the UN agencies.
Reports indicate that during a recent escalation, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 58 individuals within a 24-hour period, including children and journalists.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has noted the death of a second journalist due to injuries sustained from an Israeli strike, underscoring the risks faced by media professionals in the conflict zone.
In a timeline of conflict escalation, the war was ignited following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages.
Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 50,810 Palestinian fatalities due to the ongoing military operations.
The international community continues to call for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for renewed ceasefires and adherence to humanitarian laws.
