In a severe escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, aid organizations report critical shortages of essential supplies and unprecedented risks to relief workers. Between October 2023 and January 2025, at least 369 aid workers, including 263 UNRWA staff, lost their lives while attempting to deliver crucial assistance.
Healthcare system buckles under humanitarian crisis
Gaza’s health infrastructure collapse marks a devastating phase of the humanitarian crisis, with hospitals facing imminent shutdown due to zero fuel reserves. The European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis recently warned that generator failures threaten the lives of ICU patients and newborns. The World Health Organization estimates it could take up to 10 years to address the medical needs of 12,000 critically ill patients, which demands immediate attention.
Aid Delivery Faces Severe Impediments
“The situation has reached catastrophic proportions,” says a World Food Programme spokesperson, following a recent attack on their armed convoy near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. “Our vehicles were struck by 16 bullets, highlighting the extreme risks our teams face in delivering essential aid.”
Between October and December 2024, humanitarian organizations encountered unprecedented access restrictions, with 149 out of 165 UN attempts to reach North Gaza denied. The distribution of winter supplies remains critically low, with only 19,000 out of 220,000 procured clothing kits reaching those in need.
The crisis has resulted in devastating civilian casualties, with the Ministry of Health in Gaza reporting 45,936 Palestinians killed and 109,274 injured since October 2023. Targeted strikes on refugee camps and residential areas, with multiple children among the casualties, are recent incidents.
Similar Humanitarian Crises Worldwide
Sudan faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with over half its population requiring urgent assistance. According to UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami, more than 8 million people have been internally displaced since April 2023, making it the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. Despite severe operational challenges, the UN and its partners launched a comprehensive Famine Prevention Plan in 2024, reaching 12.7 million people with critical aid.
Gaza and Sudan face critical humanitarian challenges, and their responses highlight different aspects of crisis management. Gaza’s situation is characterized by intense military conflict and severe access restrictions. At the same time, Sudan’s crisis focuses on widespread displacement and famine prevention. The two emergencies emphasize the growing complexity of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones, with the UN seeking $4.2 billion for Sudan’s 2025 response plan alone.
International organizations continue to call for immediate action, demanding secure humanitarian corridors, urgent fuel supplies, and enhanced protection for aid workers. A coordinated global response is desirable and necessary to prevent conditions in Gaza from further deteriorating.