The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching unprecedented levels as the World Food Programme (WFP) warns of a possible famine due to Israel’s severe restrictions on food and essential supplies into the besieged enclave. Escalating violence has complicated aid efforts, with reports emerging of recent attacks on medical facilities in both Gaza and Lebanon, leading to casualties among civilians and healthcare workers.

The situation in Gaza is particularly dire, as hospitals and aid agencies struggle to meet the mounting needs of a population that has been under siege since October 7, 2023. Israel’s ongoing aerial and ground offensive, aimed at Hamas, has left a trail of destruction, claiming over 43,000 Palestinian lives and wounding more than 102,000, according to local health authorities.

Hospitals and Medical Workers Targeted

Recent attacks on medical infrastructure have compounded the challenges faced by health workers on the ground. In northern Gaza, the Kamal Adwan Hospital was struck, leaving a child severely injured and the facility’s nursery damaged. Nearby, the Indonesian Hospital’s gates and walls were also targeted by drones.

In Lebanon, where the conflict has spread with Israeli forces conducting strikes, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its call for protection of healthcare workers and facilities. WHO’s plea comes after Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of two Lebanese paramedics and caused significant damage to two hospitals. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that at least 2,897 people have been killed and 13,402 injured in Israeli strikes in Lebanon since hostilities began.

Famine Warnings Amidst Restricted Aid Access

The WFP’s warning about a potential famine in Gaza underscores the severity of the crisis. The agency reports that it has been nearly impossible to deliver consistent food and aid supplies to the enclave, where supply lines have been repeatedly disrupted by the conflict. Gaza’s two million residents face acute food shortages, and humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent intervention to prevent mass starvation.

“Without immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access, the lives of thousands more are at risk,” said WFP spokesperson Jane Edwards in a press briefing. “We are looking at a situation that could soon escalate into famine, with grave consequences for the most vulnerable, especially children.”

Global Reactions and Calls for Ceasefire

As civilian casualties mount, international organizations and human rights groups are intensifying their calls for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian access and ensure the protection of civilians. The United Nations and other international bodies have repeatedly urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect non-combatants.

The conflict began in October when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory, killing over 1,100 people and taking more than 200 hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale military response, targeting Gaza and now extending its operations into Lebanon.

Humanitarian Crisis Reaches Tipping Point

With Gaza’s healthcare system on the brink of collapse, medical staff are overwhelmed. The lack of medical supplies, electricity, and clean water has further exacerbated the challenges. “Our doctors are working around the clock with minimal resources, performing surgeries without anesthesia in some cases,” reported Dr. Mahmoud Yassin, a surgeon at Gaza’s Shifa Hospital. “We are watching patients die from treatable injuries simply because we don’t have the supplies.”

The civilian toll on both sides of the border continues to climb, while the world watches anxiously. Diplomats and global leaders have urged both sides to allow humanitarian corridors and refrain from targeting medical facilities, yet such calls remain largely unheeded.

As Gaza’s population endures the dual threats of violence and starvation, the WFP’s warning highlights the pressing need for a humanitarian intervention to prevent an imminent catastrophe. For the people trapped in this conflict, time is running out, and the world’s response may define the region’s humanitarian legacy for years to come.