The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is spiralling beyond control, as aid remains scarce and relief trucks are blocked from entering. Hisham Mhanna, the organisation’s spokesperson in Gaza, said the population is facing an “impossible environment” for humanitarian work, with vast areas under military control or evacuation orders, and aid workers operating under constant threat.

He stressed that Gaza must be “flooded” with assistance, food, medicine, fuel, clean water, and repairs to devastated infrastructure, but Israel’s closure of all crossings since March has left essential supplies stranded at the borders. The limited aid allowed in falls drastically short of the needs of over two million people. The Red Cross also condemned attacks on humanitarian facilities, including last week’s strike on the Red Crescent headquarters in Khan Younis.

Hospitals are collapsing under shortages, civilians face starvation, and emergency teams work under bombardment, unable to reach many in desperate need. Mhanna warned that “the window to save lives in Gaza is closing fast,” urging an immediate and permanent ceasefire to enable full humanitarian access. He also called on Israel to allow the Red Cross to resume prison visits and disclose the names and conditions of all Palestinian detainees, citing deep concern over reports of deaths in Israeli custody.

Since the start of the war, more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, over 153,000 wounded, and thousands remain missing. For Gaza’s people, every hour without aid brings them closer to a preventable catastrophe.