A dire situation is unfolding in Gaza as the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued a warning about famine looming in the region. Philippe Lazzarini stated that humanitarian aid has not reached northern Gaza for over a month, with the last food distribution occurring on January 23. The UN official highlighted that at least 500,000 people are facing famine, while the entire population of Gaza, numbering 2.3 million, is suffering from acute food shortages according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Israel, which controls Gaza's border crossings, has been accused of delaying aid deliveries by UN agencies, as only one entry point into the enclave has been opened since the conflict began. The flow of aid has significantly decreased, with the average number of trucks entering Gaza daily dropping to about 55 from the usual 500. This reduction in assistance has caused immense distress among the populace, leading to reports of starvation and unrest.

Moreover, incidents of violence and chaos have been reported during aid deliveries, with clashes occurring at the Karem Abu Salem entry point. The situation has escalated to the extent that the World Food Programme (WFP) suspended aid deliveries to northern Gaza after violent altercations broke out among hungry crowds. The lack of Israeli cooperation in facilitating aid missions has further complicated the crisis, as a significant number of aid requests were denied by Israel, as per OCHA data.

As the situation deteriorates, concerns are growing about a possible full-scale Israeli military operation in the city of Rafah, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned could severely impact aid programs in Gaza. Human Rights Watch criticized Israel for allegedly not adhering to an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow increased humanitarian aid deliveries.

With the humanitarian crisis deepening in Gaza and aid supplies being hindered, urgent action is needed to avert a catastrophe and prevent further suffering in the besieged region.