Fri May 02 11:12:24 UTC 2025: ## Gaza on Brink of Humanitarian Collapse as ICRC Demands Israel Fulfill Obligations

**GAZA CITY** – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issued a stark warning Friday, declaring the humanitarian situation in Gaza on the verge of total collapse. The ICRC stated that Palestinians are facing a “daily struggle to survive,” hampered by Israel’s ongoing war and blockade of the enclave.

The organization highlighted the critical shortage of food, medicine, and essential supplies, stressing that without an immediate resumption of aid deliveries, its operations in Gaza will cease within weeks. Israel’s strict control over aid inflows, tightened since March 2nd, is exacerbating the crisis for the 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been displaced and are facing the devastation wrought by weeks of conflict.

The ICRC emphasized that under international humanitarian law, Israel has an obligation to ensure the needs of Palestinian civilians under its control are met. Pascal Hundt, ICRC deputy chief of operations, described the situation as “overwhelming,” with civilians battling the dangers of hostilities, displacement, and a severe lack of humanitarian assistance.

This dire assessment is echoed by the United Nations, which has also warned of an impending famine. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini called the Israeli siege a form of collective punishment. Further fueling concerns, Amjad Shawwa of the Palestinian NGOs Network warned of a rapidly deteriorating situation for children, with many at risk of death from malnutrition.

The ICRC’s plea comes amidst ongoing Israeli bombardment. Medical sources reported at least 22 Palestinian deaths from Israeli air raids on Friday alone, targeting areas including the Bureij refugee camp and Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. International calls for a ceasefire and the reopening of humanitarian corridors are growing more urgent, with the hope of securing the release of Hamas captives in exchange for aid access.

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