Gaza Faces Deepening Humanitarian Crisis Amid 50-Day Blockade

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified as Israel's continued blockade has halted the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and clean water for more than seven weeks, resulting in acute shortages and soaring prices. Aid agencies, including the UN and UNICEF, warn that the situation is now the worst since the start of the conflict, with over 2.1 million Gazans facing life-threatening deprivation and only minimal essential services remaining. Water scarcity is particularly severe, with most pipelines destroyed and families forced to rely on expensive water trucks or unsafe seawater. Israel's Southern Command reportedly expects the crisis to worsen but views it as leverage to pressure Hamas for hostage releases, despite international outcry and unusually strong criticism from France, Germany, and Britain. Humanitarian aid, stockpiled at the border, remains blocked, with the UN describing its restriction as a 'bargaining chip and a weapon of war.' Arab mediators are working on a ceasefire proposal, but the blockade and ongoing strikes continue to exacerbate civilian suffering.