Janice R. Andrews
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching catastrophic levels as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked, leaving millions of Palestinians struggling to survive amid severe shortages of essential supplies. With aid deliveries halted and electricity cut off, daily life in Gaza has become a relentless battle for survival, with residents describing the situation as “everything in crisis.”
Life in Gaza: A Daily Struggle
Walaa Mahmoud, a Gaza City resident working for a civil society organization, spoke to DW by phone, painting a grim picture of life in the besieged enclave. “There is simply no life. There is nothing we don’t struggle with,” she said. “Clean water, electricity, medical treatment, transportation—everything is in crisis. Prices are soaring, and security is nonexistent.”
Mahmoud’s sentiments are echoed by Walid Abu Daqqa, a father of four whose home was destroyed during the war. He now lives with relatives and faces the harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and the constant threat of renewed conflict. “My children can’t attend school, and there’s no functioning healthcare system if I fall ill. The threat of war looms because there are no agreements between Israel and Hamas,” he said.
Abu Daqqa also highlighted the growing corruption and greed among merchants, who he accused of exploiting the situation since border crossings were closed. “There is no justice, even in the distribution of aid. Nothing is normal here,” he added.
Ceasefire Talks in Jeopardy
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas expired in early March, and negotiations for the second phase have stalled. The initial 42-day ceasefire included the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. However, the second phase, which would have seen the release of the remaining 59 hostages and further talks on ending the war, has not materialized.
In response to the stalled talks, Israel closed its crossings with Gaza and cut off all aid supplies. On Sunday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that the Israeli Electric Corporation would stop selling electricity to Gaza, further exacerbating the crisis. Hamas has accused Israel of using aid as “political blackmail” to pressure the group into accepting a new ceasefire framework.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The closure of border crossings and the suspension of aid deliveries have had a devastating impact on Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure. The territory’s power supply, which was already limited, has been completely cut off, leaving residents reliant on diesel-powered generators and small solar panels. The only functioning power line, restored in November 2024, supplied electricity to a desalination plant in Deir al Balah, which provided 18,000 cubic meters of water daily. With the power cut, the plant’s output has been reduced to 2,500 cubic meters, affecting around 600,000 people in southern Gaza.
Amjad Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO network, told DW that the situation is dire. “We are already feeling the effects. Fuel for generators is running low, and some bakeries in central and southern Gaza have stopped working due to a lack of cooking gas,” he said.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on March 11 that fuel for backup generators at water and health facilities is running low, cooking fuel prices are rising, and the distribution of essential supplies like flour and shelter materials has been disrupted.
International Criticism and Legal Challenges
Israel’s decision to suspend aid and cut electricity has drawn widespread international criticism. Muhannad Hadi, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator, emphasized that humanitarian aid is a lifeline for over two million Palestinians in Gaza. “International humanitarian law is clear: civilians’ essential needs must be met, including through the unimpeded entry and distribution of humanitarian assistance,” he said.
The allegations of starvation as a method of warfare are central to South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide—a charge Israel denies. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over similar allegations.
Even hostage families have criticized Israel’s actions, petitioning the High Court of Justice to reverse the decision to cut electricity. They argue that such measures lead to retaliatory responses and abuse by Hamas, further endangering the lives of hostages.
Unpredictable Future for Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains highly unpredictable, with Israel intensifying its air and artillery strikes in recent days. Aid workers like Shawa describe a litany of challenges: the lack of housing, fresh water, and healthcare; unexploded ordnance; and the psychological toll on residents. “Every day we have a new announcement from the Israelis about getting back to war. Most people now live on the rubble of their homes in critical humanitarian conditions,” Shawa said.
As the international community calls for urgent action, the people of Gaza continue to endure unimaginable hardships. “We are doing our best, and we have very resilient people here, but the needs are huge,” Shawa added.
With no end in sight to the crisis, the world watches as Gaza teeters on the brink of catastrophe, hoping for a breakthrough in ceasefire talks and a return to peace. Until then, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a cycle of suffering, their lives hanging in the balance.
