As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, the blockade on aid is pushing civilians into an even more dire situation. HelpAge’s partners who are active on the ground in Gaza, Juzoor and the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC), report that restrictions on life-saving assistance are severely hampering their ability to respond to the crisis.
Health at risk: essential medications running out
Juzoor warns that the blockade is critically limiting access to essential medications for people with chronic diseases, further endangering their health. Older people, many of whom suffer from common non-communicable diseases such as diabetes or heart conditions, are particularly at risk. Without the necessary medication and medical care, their conditions will deteriorate, leading to preventable suffering and loss of life.
Worsening hunger and malnutrition
Food prices have dramatically increased as remaining stocks in markets are rapidly depleting. Older people, pregnant and lactating women, and children are particularly at risk due to these worsening conditions. The severe shortage of food supplies is exacerbating the already alarming levels of malnutrition in Gaza. PARC reports that the agricultural sector is in crisis, with limited access to fresh produce and essential items needed for survival.
In addition to the severe shortages of food and medical supplies, the recent cutting off of electricity supplies has further deepened the crisis. Without power, hospitals are struggling to keep life-saving equipment running, water pumps have stopped functioning, and food storage has been severely compromised. For older people, many of whom rely on refrigerated medications and medical devices, the blackout is particularly dangerous.
Aid workers struggling under extreme conditions
PARC and Juzoor staff face immense personal and operational challenges, working under dangerous conditions with restricted movement and limited supplies. The blockade is preventing humanitarian organisations from receiving essential materials, making it nearly impossible to distribute food parcels, hygiene kits, and drinking water. Despite the ceasefire, safety risks remain due to the desperation of the population growing and leading to aid convoys being intercepted or looted.
A deliberate obstruction of life-saving assistance
Both Juzoor and PARC stress that this is not just a temporary crisis, it is an ongoing and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid that could push Gaza beyond the point of recovery. Malnutrition rates are rising, famine-like conditions are worsening, and the collapse of essential services is accelerating. Without urgent international intervention to restore humanitarian access, the consequences will be devastating.
Call for immediate action
HelpAge International stands with our partners in calling for the immediate and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Older people and other at-risk groups cannot wait. The world must act now to prevent further suffering and loss of life.