Gaza's Escalating Crisis: Humanitarian Aid Blockade Worsens Malnutrition and Conflict

The UN's OCHA highlights a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, worsened by an Israeli blockade preventing aid. Acute malnutrition and water scarcity are severe. Amid ongoing conflict, discussions for a ceasefire hinge on Hamas releasing captives. Casualties continue to rise with renewed assaults.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as an Israeli blockade tightens, further exacerbating severe food shortages. Al Jazeera reports a significant rise in Palestinian children suffering from acute malnutrition, with March figures at 3,696, sharply up from February's 2,027.

OCHA warns of deteriorating food consumption due to restricted humanitarian aid, drastically impacting the availability of meat, poultry, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. The agency also highlights an acute water shortage, posing a dire threat to public health, as access to safe water is increasingly compromised.

As conflict intensifies, U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler insists that a ceasefire is contingent upon Hamas releasing hostages. This condition remains a central point in ceasefire negotiations amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Meanwhile, Gaza faces significant casualties, with reports of over 35 deaths in recent Israeli strikes.

The conflict has resulted in mass displacements, with the UN reporting that 500,000 people have been displaced since March 18. Israel's Defence Minister underscores using the blockade as leverage against Hamas, while the humanitarian toll rises, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 51,000 deaths since the conflict's outset 18 months ago.

The Gaza Government Media Office updates these figures, noting over 61,700 fatalities and thousands missing under rubble. Casualties continue to rise on both sides, including the aftermath of the October 7 attacks that left 1,139 Israelis dead and over 200 captured.

(With inputs from agencies.)