The conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically when Israel declared war on October 7, 2023, in response to a significant attack by Hamas that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals.

Following this declaration, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entry into Gaza on March 2, 2025, closing all border crossing points and resuming military operations on March 18, effectively ending a two-month ceasefire.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'probably the worst since the start of the war,' highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians.

Due to the border closures and internal restrictions, there is a severe shortage of supplies in Gaza, leading authorities to ration and reduce deliveries, exacerbating the crisis.

OCHA reported that the last authorized humanitarian supply passages occurred a month and a half ago, marking the longest interruption in aid delivery to Gaza.

The UN has indicated that Gaza is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 1.1 million people facing 'catastrophic hunger,' the highest number of victims ever recorded in UN food security studies.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 50,980 deaths, primarily among civilians, including more than 18,000 children, with over 111,000 injuries and around 11,000 individuals missing and presumed buried under rubble.

In late 2024, a special UN committee accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and using hunger as a weapon of war, allegations that the Israeli government has denied without presenting any arguments.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar justified the blockade by stating that humanitarian aid has become 'the main source of income' for Hamas in Gaza.