GAZA STRIP - As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels. The death toll has risen to 50,810 documented deaths, with 115,688 individuals recorded as having sustained injuries. The majority of casualties, according to health officials, comprise women and children. The Israeli blockade, now entering its second month, has severely restricted the flow of essential humanitarian aid, leaving over 2.1 million residents, and many Israeli hostages, trapped without adequate food, water, or medical supplies. ​

The blockade has led to critical shortages of necessities. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than one million children in Gaza are deprived of lifesaving aid. Additionally, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to close 25 subsidized bakeries due to a lack of flour and cooking gas.

Israeli military operations have intensified, with forces seizing or evacuating approximately 65 percent of the enclave. Troops are constructing watchtowers and establishing positions in key areas, suggesting preparations for a prolonged presence. This has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, with 140,000 evacuated from Rafah alone in the past two weeks. ​

The plight of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups has also garnered international concern. These individuals are subjected to the same dire conditions as Gaza's civilian population, including starvation, lack of medical supplies, and continuous bombings that threaten their lives. ​

The international community faces mounting pressure to address the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, as the civilian population and the Israeli hostages continue to endure severe hardships amid ongoing conflict. However it has remained largely silent.,

Overnight U.S. President Donald Trump, in company with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lamented how Israel 'gave' Gaza to the Palestinians. Why give away such beautiful beachfront land like that, he asked. "Israel owned it and they gave it away. How did that turn out," he asked.

Mr Netanyahu emphaised that Palestinians have a choice, they can leave the land and go somewhere else. He said Gaza was uninhabitable and it would be years before anyone could live there. 

Earlier this week on Monday, in a joint statement, the heads of the United Nations's humanitarian aid agencies warned "we are witnessing acts of war in Gaza that show anutter disregard for human life," with Israeli displacement orders forcing hundreds of thousands to flee – with nowhere safe to go.

"With the tightened Israeli blockade on Gaza now in its second month, we appeal to world leaders to act – firmly, urgently and decisively – to ensure the basic principles of international humanitarian law are upheld.

"Protect civilians, facilitate aid, release hostages - renew a ceasefire," they urged.