The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels following Israel’s reimposition of a full blockade in early March, just days before the collapse of a fragile two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Acute shortages of basic goods, such as food, clean water, gasoline, and medication, are being warned about by aid organisations.
During a press appearance in Abu Dhabi on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the deteriorating situation, stating that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza. “We’re going to get that taken care of,” Trump continued, referring to his current regional tour, which notably excludes Israel.
The Israeli government has defended its blockade, describing it as a means of pressuring Hamas to release the hostages it has held since the group’s deadly October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. That attack left over 1,200 Israelis dead and resulted in the abduction of 251 people. Israeli officials say that 34 hostages are thought to be killed and that there are still 57 hostages in Gaza.
On Monday, Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last known American hostage, following direct talks with the Trump administration—negotiations that appeared to bypass Israeli involvement. In the aftermath, Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu said the group expects Washington to now press Israel to open Gaza’s crossings and allow humanitarian aid to flow in.
This coincides with heightened hostilities between the United States and Hamas, the president t after Trump once again floated the idea of turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” under foreign oversight. Hamas dismissed the comment, insisting Gaza was not “for sale”.
On the ground, Israeli airstrikes on Friday reportedly killed more than 100 people, according to Gaza’s civil defence authority. Residents described scenes of destruction and chaos.
Umm Mohammed al-Tatari, 57, stated, “Everything exploded around us while we were asleep.” There was blood everywhere, body parts, corpses. Everyone started running.”
Another resident, Ahmed Nasr, 33, said, “There is no safety. We could die at any moment.”
At Beit Lahia’s Indonesian Hospital, footage showed grieving families mourning over the bodies of loved ones. “They were innocent,” said Mayar Salem. “All that’s left are their remains. My sisters and daughters were among them.
Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that nearly 3,000 people have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, bringing the total death toll in Gaza since the war began to over 53,000.
Although no official declaration has been made, Israeli media reports suggest the military is escalating its operations under a new strategy approved by the government earlier this month. In the last 24 hours, the military claimed to have struck over 150 locations in Gaza.
Domestically, Israelis remain divided over the government’s approach. A leading advocacy group for the families of hostages criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for missing what it called a “historic opportunity” to secure their release through diplomacy. A rival group, however, pushed for increased military and economic pressure, including a total siege of Gaza.
International concern continues to mount. The enclave’s conditions were referred to as “deliberate starvation” by the Council of Europe. Seven European nations—among them Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, Spain, and Norway, all of which recognise Palestinian statehood—issued a joint statement condemning what they termed a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe” and urged Israel to lift the blockade and cease military operations.
Hamas welcomed the statement, describing the position of these countries as “humanitarian and courageous”.
Meanwhile, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation announced plans to begin aid deliveries to Gaza this month after reaching an understanding with Israeli officials. However, the United Nations has declined to participate in the initiative, citing concerns over neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
As the conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight, humanitarian groups warn that Gaza’s civilian population faces an increasingly dire and life-threatening crisis.