The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has raised alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marking the past week as the most severe since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023. The renewed Israeli military offensive, which resumed on March 18, has plunged the already devastated enclave into chaos, resulting in mounting casualties and widespread displacement.

According to UNRWA’s Director of Operations, the consequences of the renewed assault have been catastrophic for Gaza’s civilian population. Recent figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health indicate that at least 830 Palestinians have been killed and 1,787 others injured since the offensive resumed. This brings the total death toll to over 50,183, with more than 113,828 injured since the onset of hostilities in October.

The human cost extends to UNRWA staff, with more than 218 employees having lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those delivering critical services amid ongoing attacks. Additionally, over 140,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, exacerbating an already dire refugee crisis.

“This is not merely an escalation; it is a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions,” stated a UNRWA official during a recent briefing, emphasising that each passing day brings increased suffering and diminishing hope for the people of Gaza. As international observers criticise the continued bombardment for violating humanitarian law, calls for a ceasefire grow louder, yet the fighting persists, leaving millions trapped in a cycle of destruction and despair. With healthcare facilities overwhelmed and essential supplies dwindling, the situation remains critical for those enduring unimaginable hardships in one of the world's most protracted conflicts.