Situation in Gaza rapidly worsening as blockade continues: UNRWA
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The Israeli-imposed blockade on the Gaza Strip risks returning the enclave to its initial, pre-ceasefire crisis level.
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Displaced Palestinian girls fill a plastic jerrycan with water at a school run by UNRWA, which they use as a shelter west of Gaza City, Sunday, March 9, 2025 (AP)
The situation in the Gaza Strip is rapidly deteriorating as a result of the imposed blockade of humanitarian aid and basic survival necessities, UNRWA cautioned on Wednesday, as the Israeli occupation continues prohibiting the entry of relief aid in a glaring violation of the ceasefire agreement.
UNRWA spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna told RIA Novosti that the situation in Gaza is quickly worsening due to the blockade of humanitarian aid, as well as water and electricity cuts, leaving residents with only enough food to last a few days or, at most, weeks.
Human rights organizations located in Gaza, including the UN, could also deplete their food stocks within days, or weeks in a best case scenario, Adnan warned.
He also warned that, despite recent improvements, the situation risks returning to its initial crisis level.
Famine looming over Gaza
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem warned Tuesday that Gaza is facing the early stages of a real famine due to the Israeli occupation's continued blockade on the entry of food supplies for the tenth consecutive day. He stressed that the humanitarian situation has been dire since the beginning of the Israeli aggression.
In a statement, Qassem highlighted the severe food crisis gripping the besieged enclave, where essential supplies are running out under the ongoing blockade. He noted that the closure of border crossings constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, which stipulates the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid.
The movement described it as a flagrant war crime and collective punishment against civilians, warning that the siege has led to soaring food prices and a severe shortage of medical supplies amid an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
The group also pointed out that the closure of crossings was hindering recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The ban on the entry of heavy equipment has obstructed relief teams from carrying out their duties.
Yemen resumes naval blockade against Israeli ships in support of Gaza
In light of the escalation, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the resumption of their naval blockade on all Israeli ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Sanaa's decision comes after the expiration of the deadline set by Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi for mediators to pressure the Israeli occupation into reopening Gaza’s border crossings and allowing humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Yemeni Armed Forces declared the immediate enforcement of the blockade, warning that any Israeli vessel attempting to breach the restriction would be targeted within the designated operational zones.
The military stressed that the blockade would remain in place until the Israeli occupation complies with the demand to reopen Gaza’s border crossings and facilitate the entry of essential food and medical supplies.
Read more: Military action to resume if siege on Gaza continues: Al-Houthi
