For the 15th consecutive day, Gaza remains under a suffocating Israeli blockade, with border crossings sealed and the flow of humanitarian aid, goods, and fuel completely cut off. The closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza’s primary lifeline for essential supplies, has plunged the besieged enclave into an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.  

The blockade has left local markets barren, with food supplies dwindling and prices skyrocketing. Over 80% of Gaza’s population now faces extreme food insecurity, as charitable kitchens and aid agencies are forced to suspend operations due to the lack of basic provisions. Dozens of bakeries have shut down, unable to operate without fuel and cooking gas, further threatening the food security of over 2.4 million Palestinians already reeling from the devastating impacts of war and a 16-year siege.  

The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with thousands of patients and wounded individuals at risk due to severe shortages of medical supplies and equipment. The blockade has prevented the entry of life-saving medicines, leaving hospitals unable to provide adequate care. Meanwhile, the transportation sector has ground to a halt, cutting off access to hospitals, workplaces, and essential services.  

Gaza’s Government Media Office has condemned the blockade as a deliberate act of mass suffocation, accusing Israel of intensifying the suffering of civilians. The statement highlighted how the blockade has paralyzed daily life, leaving residents without access to basic necessities and further entrenching Gaza’s status as an open-air prison.  

The water crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with 90% of the population lacking access to clean drinking water. The blockade has cut off fuel supplies needed to operate wells and desalination plants, forcing municipalities to ration water distribution. In southern Gaza, the Rafah Municipality announced it had halted fuel distribution for water wells, leaving entire communities without access to this vital resource.  

This deepening crisis follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s March 2 decision to halt all goods and supplies from entering Gaza, a move that has exacerbated an already dire situation. As the international community remains silent, Gaza’s residents continue to endure unimaginable suffering, stripped of their most basic human rights and left to face an uncertain future.