Gaza, March 22 – The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with aid workers unable to deliver essential supplies due to a total blockade in place since March 2. Héléna Ranchal, Director of Operations at Médecins du Monde, expressed grave concerns about the safety of humanitarian teams and the worsening conditions for civilians trapped in the enclave.
"We have trucks positioned just a few kilometers from our clinics, but they cannot enter," Ranchal stated, highlighting the dire consequences of the blockade. "There is nothing getting through, and even humanitarian worker rotations have been halted."
Soaring Food Prices Deepen Crisis
The ongoing siege has led to skyrocketing inflation, making basic necessities unaffordable for most residents. "The price of bread has increased fivefold, and a kilogram of tomatoes now costs €8," Ranchal reported. With food supplies dwindling and no relief in sight, hunger is becoming a growing concern for the population.
Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse
The destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes has left Gaza’s healthcare system in ruins. Despite a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Ranchal argues that the temporary pause in hostilities did little to rebuild the devastated infrastructure. "Sixty percent of hospitals are only partially functional, and less than half of primary health centers are operational," she noted. "Restoring these systems is impossible in just six weeks."
No Safe Haven Amid Evacuation Orders
As Israel issues new evacuation orders for southern Gaza, Ranchal questioned the feasibility of relocating civilians. "Where are they supposed to go?" she asked. "There is no safe place in Gaza." She condemned what she described as Israel’s "cruel game" of forcing civilians to move from one area to another without providing genuine safety.
Rising Casualties and International Response
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli military operations have resulted in at least 48,397 deaths, mostly civilians. The United Nations has deemed these figures reliable. On the Israeli side, the October 7 Hamas attack claimed 1,218 lives, including civilians and hostages, with 58 individuals still held in Gaza, 34 of whom have been declared dead by Israeli authorities.
French Foreign Minister Calls for Investigation into UN Strikes
Meanwhile, France has called for a thorough investigation into recent Israeli strikes that seriously wounded two French nationals in a UN facility in Gaza. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated, "I want full transparency, a formal inquiry, and clear accountability." The Foreign Ministry reiterated the importance of protecting humanitarian workers, emphasizing that they have already paid a heavy price in the conflict.
In response, Israel has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the strike but has denied responsibility.
As Gaza remains under siege, international calls for a resolution to the humanitarian disaster continue to grow, with aid organizations urging immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
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