The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a “dangerous turning point,” warned Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, cautioning that any further escalation of fighting would be catastrophic — particularly given the soaring number of hungry people, including children.
According to Alqahera News, Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Haq said several residents have died in recent weeks from hunger, a crisis that could spiral beyond the control of humanitarian agencies if conditions continue to deteriorate.
On the UN’s response, Haq explained that the organization is working to channel food aid through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings from Israel into Gaza, despite procedural hurdles that can delay truck entry by up to 18 hours. The World Food Programme (WFP) currently has enough supplies outside Gaza to feed two million people for three months, but distribution inside the enclave remains the main challenge.
Haq rejected Israel’s recently discussed plan to reassert control over Gaza, reiterating the UN’s opposition to such expansionist measures. He said UN officials have told the Security Council that prolonging or widening the war would make the delivery of aid impossible. The Secretary-General, he added, is pushing for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and the release of all hostages.
The UN spokesperson also praised Egypt’s role, noting the organization values the efforts of Egypt and Qatar in facilitating aid deliveries and political mediation.
He said pre-arranged plans are in place to resume full operation of distribution centers once the situation stabilizes.
The collapse of Gaza’s food distribution system, he warned, has forced desperate residents to seize supplies directly from aid trucks before they reach designated centers.
Haq further stressed the urgency of reinstating the coordination system that was in place earlier this year, which helped avert a crisis of this scale.
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