Gaza, April 8, 2025: Heads of six United Nations agencies have issued an urgent plea to world leaders, warning that millions of Palestinians in Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of starvation and deprivation due to an ongoing Israeli blockade that has halted aid deliveries since March 2.
In a joint statement, the UN officials said “Palestinians are trapped, bombed and starved again”, with life-saving supplies piling up at crossing points, blocked from entering the war-torn enclave. The statement was signed by the heads of OCHA, UNICEF, UNOPS, WFP, WHO, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Despite Israel’s claim that enough food is available in Gaza “for a long period,” the UN agencies strongly refuted this, stating that markets are empty, bakeries have shuttered, and hospitals are rationing basic medical supplies, including painkillers and antibiotics.
“Assertions that there is enough food to feed all Palestinians in Gaza are far from the reality on the ground,” the agencies stated.
The blockade followed the expiration of a ceasefire, which Israel tied to Hamas agreeing to extend the truce. Hamas accused Israel of violating prior commitments and refused to continue the terms.
The UN has stressed that international humanitarian law obligates Israel, as an occupying power, to ensure basic needs are met and humanitarian aid is allowed to pass without obstruction.
The agencies called for protection of civilians, immediate facilitation of aid delivery, release of all hostages and a renewed ceasefire.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported 58 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes, including five children in Deir al-Balah. In Beit Lahia and northern Gaza City, at least 11 more were killed.
Additionally, two Palestinian journalists have died following an Israeli strike on a media tent in Khan Younis. Israel claimed the strike targeted a journalist with alleged Hamas ties. Media bodies condemned the attack, citing it as a threat to press freedom.
Since October 7, 2023 — when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken — over 50,800 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s subsequent military offensive, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
