Gaza’s Descent into Chaos: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

Gaza‘s Descent into Chaos: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

MOHAN KHOUND

In a scene resembling Dante’s Inferno, Gaza today epitomizes the embodiment of suffering and desolation. This portrayal is not merely a literary exaggeration but the harsh reality on the ground, as described by UN aid worker Louise Wateridge.

As a Senior Communications Officer with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Wateridge’s firsthand account offers a grim narrative of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, underscoring the escalating difficulties faced by aid workers amid the relentless conflict and deteriorating conditions.

Entering the Abyss

Wateridge’s journey back into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Thursday painted a stark picture of devastation and chaos. The southernmost city of Rafah, which had been her base during her first tour in May, lay in ruins.

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“You can hear bombardments from the north, the middle, and the south…Gaza now really is hell on earth,” she reported.

The city, once a hub for humanitarian aid, is now a ghost town. Israeli forces’ seizure of the key border crossing has severely hampered aid deliveries, leaving the population in a desperate struggle for survival.

Living Among Ruins

Driving through Khan Younis to central Gaza, Wateridge witnessed the transformation of once vibrant communities into desolate wastelands. “The drive through Khan Younis was shocking – I hadn’t been there since before the 6 May invasion of Rafah and it was a ghost town because everything is destroyed,” she said.

Inhabitants now seek refuge in the skeletal remains of their homes, with blankets or plastic sheets serving as makeshift walls where walls once stood. This stark imagery highlights the extent of destruction and the dire living conditions of many families in Gaza.

Lawlessness and Desperation

The breakdown of law and order has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Wateridge described scenes of lawlessness and looting as aid trucks arrived, with hundreds of armed men awaiting their arrival. “The road was full of looters when we arrived… The trucks we passed on the way were very destroyed – windscreens completely smashed, they all have metal bars reinforcing the driver’s area. It felt totally lawless,” she recounted. This chaos reflects the deep desperation among the population, struggling to secure basic necessities amidst the ongoing conflict.

Devastation of UN Facilities

The destruction extends to vital UN facilities. Wateridge described the damage inflicted on UNRWA facilities along her route from Kerem Shalom to Khan Younis and beyond.

“Every single UNRWA facility – school, warehouse, food distribution etc – was significantly damaged or even destroyed. Bullet holes, walls blown out, floors collapsed like pancakes on top of each other – you would have no idea that these were UN facilities protected by international law,” she noted. This widespread damage not only hampers humanitarian operations but also underscores the severe breach of international humanitarian law.

Fuel Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges

The severe shortage of fuel further cripples humanitarian efforts. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), only 14 percent of the fuel that used to enter Gaza monthly prior to October 2023 has been allowed into the enclave in 2024. This shortage of fuel is a significant barrier to aid distribution and mobility for humanitarian workers.

“We have no fuel so we cannot go anywhere – all humanitarians,” Wateridge confirmed. The limited fuel supplies also restrict UNRWA’s ability to distribute essential aid such as food and mattresses, further aggravating the humanitarian crisis.

Impact on Aid Workers

The plight of UNRWA workers themselves adds another layer to the unfolding tragedy. Many aid workers are themselves displaced, traumatized, and struggling with the loss of their homes and belongings. “I’m looking forward to seeing them; they’re okay, but they’re very traumatized from being displaced from Rafah. They also have nothing left now,” Wateridge explained. This highlights the human cost of the conflict not only on the civilian population but also on those dedicated to providing relief.

Broader Context of the Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Gaza is part of a broader humanitarian and political crisis affecting the region. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini recently issued a stark warning that the agency “will crumble” unless urgent funding is found, putting an entire generation of Palestinian children at risk of poverty, hatred, and future conflict.

Over 180 UNRWA installations have been damaged or destroyed, and 193 UN personnel have been killed since the conflict intensified. The sheer scale of destruction and loss underscores the dire need for political and financial support from the international community to avert further catastrophe.

The Human Toll

The human toll in Gaza is staggering. More than two million people, including 625,000 deeply traumatized children, are living in conditions described as “a living hell.” Reports of malnutrition, dehydration, and a collapse in law and order are rampant. Children are particularly vulnerable, with risks of violence, exploitation, child labor, early marriage, and recruitment by armed groups increasing daily. The psychological impact on these children, many of whom have lost access to education and live in constant fear, cannot be overstated.

A Call for Immediate Action

The international community must act swiftly to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Immediate measures are needed to ensure the safe and sustained delivery of life-saving aid, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. There is also a critical need for fuel to facilitate aid distribution and support the mobility of humanitarian workers. Moreover, there must be concerted efforts to restore law and order and protect the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of protracted conflict on civilian populations. As described by Louise Wateridge and supported by numerous reports from humanitarian agencies, the conditions in Gaza are dire and require urgent international intervention.

The stories of those living amidst the rubble, struggling to survive amidst chaos and destruction, call for immediate and sustained efforts to provide relief, restore order, and work towards a peaceful resolution. Only through collective action can we hope to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and prevent further tragedy.

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