Gaza Faces Longest Blockade Yet as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Red Cross warns of collapsing health system and urgent need for aid as Israel continues its total blockade of Gaza, leaving millions without food, medicine, or safety.
Watan-Spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Tommaso Della Longa, stated that Gaza is experiencing the longest period without humanitarian aid since the beginning of the genocide being committed by Israel. In an interview with Anadolu Agency, he noted that Gaza is facing a disaster across all its areas, and that there is no safe zone for anyone—including humanitarian workers.
He emphasized the urgent need to expand the humanitarian aid operation inside Gaza, open all crossings for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and show respect for civilians and aid workers. He added that Palestinians in Gaza have taught the world what legendary resilience looks like, and praised the Palestinian Red Crescent for doing tremendous work with extremely limited resources.
Gaza Aid Blockade Pushes Health System to the Brink
He continued: “We are currently witnessing the longest interruption since the beginning of the war—no humanitarian aid, essential supplies, or fuel have entered Gaza. This has a severe impact on the entire Strip, affecting health conditions, humanitarian efforts, and every aspect of life.”
He pointed out that medicine and medical equipment are running out, placing enormous pressure on a collapsing healthcare system. He also noted a rise in respiratory and skin diseases, stressing that this is inevitable in a place with no safety, clean water, or adequate healthcare support.
Hamas Warns of Escalating Catastrophe Amid 27-Day Gaza Blockade
Meanwhile, the Hamas movement warned on Friday of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza due to the ongoing full Israeli blockade of the Strip, now in its 27th consecutive day, and the total ban on the entry of humanitarian aid and goods. Hamas called for urgent international intervention.
Since the resumption of the genocide in Gaza on March 18 until Thursday morning, Israel has killed 855 Palestinians and injured 1,869 others—most of them women and children—according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. With full U.S. support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in over 164,000 Palestinians killed or wounded—most of them women and children—and more than 14,000 missing.
