Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Amplified By Fuel Shortages and Restricted Aid

Gaza's humanitarian crisis is intensifying as starvation and malnutrition take more lives, with six recent deaths reported by the health ministry. The death toll has reached 175, including 93 children, as international agencies warn of a potential famine. This dire situation emerges after nearly two years of ongoing conflict.

Efforts to deliver aid have faced significant obstacles. While Israel allowed fuel deliveries into Gaza, these efforts have been sporadic and insufficient. COGAT coordinated the entry of four U.N. fuel tankers aimed at sustaining essential services like hospitals and public kitchens, yet fuel shortages continue to hinder medical operations.

Attempts by various countries, including Belgium and France, to airdrop aid have been undermined by looting amid desperation and deteriorating security conditions. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas has claimed numerous lives, further complicating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)