New report highlights catastrophic conditions and aid delivery challenges in Gaza

The latest Humanitarian Snapshot Report from NGOs operating in Gaza, including ActionAid, has revealed an increase in dire conditions and overwhelming obstacles impeding aid efforts in the region.

The report, covering the period from 13 to 29 July 2024, details the escalating humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza – and reveals that approximately 86% of Gaza is now under “evacuation orders,” forcing Palestinians to seek shelter in the remaining 14% of the Strip.  The latest figures for those reported killed is 39,363, with nearly 91,000 injured and thousands remaining buried under rubble and are presumed dead. 

The report also highlighted that water availability has decreased to 94% compared to pre October levels. On 26 July, the main drinking water source in Rafah was bombed.  

ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, described the latest statistics as devastating. “It is beyond time for the international community to intervene and provide substantial support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We demand the immediate lifting of the blockade on Gaza, protection of humanitarian workers, and immediate access to essential supplies and services for the people of Gaza so we can properly support our partners who are, against all odds, still providing lifesaving care amongst one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.“ she said.

She said the lack of aid getting into Gaza – with the UN saying only 710 trucks have been allowed to enter so far this month when Gaza needed at least 500 trucks of aid per day to meet people’s basic needs even before October 7 – is alarming.

“Twenty trucks carrying ActionAid supplies, including period products and hygiene kits, have been stuck in Egypt for at least two months due to the backlog created by restrictions on entry points into Gaza, with efforts to coordinate entry still ongoing. These are among 1,500 UN or NGO Gaza-bound trucks currently waiting in Egypt.” 

Other report findings are:

• Nearly half a million people are experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity
• Since October 2023, 278 humanitarian aid workers have been killed. Recent attacks have also targeted UN and NGO convoys and shelters, severely impacting aid delivery. 
• Between 22 and 27 July, evacuation orders displaced around 200,000 people from Khan Younis and another 12,600 from Deir al Balah camps. 
• Ongoing military operations and airstrikes in densely populated areas, including designated humanitarian zones, pose significant risks to civilians and aid workers. 
• Border closures and administrative barriers prevent effective delivery of medical services and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. 
• Attacks on civilian police and the destruction of infrastructure have led to increased insecurity, complicating aid delivery further. 

Ms Balfe said the dangers facing humanitarian workers in Gaza who are continuing to deliver life-saving aid to people in need is hugely challenging as conditions further deteriorate. She said staff at ActionAid’s partner organisations have described how, against the odds and in the face of constant danger, they are still providing desperately needed support amidst severe shortages of food, fuel and key supplies. 

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