Impact of Israel's Humanitarian Pauses on Gaza's Starvation Crisis

Israel has announced a series of daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza, aimed at alleviating the severe starvation crisis gripping the territory. This decision comes amid mounting international pressure to address the humanitarian disaster that has emerged over the recent months, particularly following the escalation of conflict in March 2025. These temporary pauses, which include the resumption of airdropped aid and the activation of a desalination plant, are viewed as critical steps, albeit minimal, in addressing the urgent needs of the Palestinian population.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 90,000 women and children in Gaza are in dire need of treatment for malnutrition, with one in three individuals going days without food. Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, the director of pediatrics at the Nasser Medical Complex, reported that their malnutrition ward is severely overcrowded, with some children having to sleep on the floor due to the influx of patients. This stark reality underscores the severity of the crisis, which has left many in Gaza described as "walking corpses" by United Nations staff members.

Prior to the recent announcement, Israel had imposed a near-total blockade on aid entering Gaza for more than two months, a measure intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. As a result, aid deliveries plummeted from pre-war levels of 500-600 trucks daily to an average of approximately 70 trucks since May 2025. Notably, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), proposed by Israel as a substitute for the UN aid system, has been criticized for its inefficiency in distributing aid, leading to tragic outcomes for those in desperate need.

Despite Israel’s recent commitments to ease the blockade, humanitarian organizations remain skeptical. Juliette Touma, the director of communications for UNRWA, emphasized that a full ceasefire is necessary to restore the flow of aid to pre-war levels, stating, "We need to reverse the tide and trajectory of famine." UNRWA holds 6,000 trucks of aid ready in Jordan and Egypt but faces significant hurdles in implementing a reliable distribution system within Gaza.

The impact of these humanitarian pauses on the ground remains uncertain. While some Palestinians have reported a slight decrease in the price of flour, many remain cautious, reluctant to place hope in promises that have repeatedly failed to materialize. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a physician involved in medical missions in Gaza, warned that recovering from acute malnutrition requires specialized treatment, and there are significant risks for those who have been deprived of food for extended periods.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the need for immediate and substantial aid is evident. The international community is closely monitoring Israel's actions and the effectiveness of the announced humanitarian pauses. The long-term implications of this crisis extend beyond immediate hunger, threatening to leave lasting scars on the health and well-being of the population in Gaza. Without a sustained and comprehensive aid strategy, the risk of widespread famine and suffering in the region remains alarmingly high.