Aid Blockade on Gaza Escalates Humanitarian Catastrophe, Violates International Law

Image credit, NRC

Israel’s decision to suspend all humanitarian aid into Gaza threatens to deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis, leaving over two million civilians in dire conditions with little access to food, medical care, and clean water. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has strongly condemned this blockade, warning that it will push Gaza’s population beyond collapse. With the region already on the brink of famine and hospitals barely functioning, the move to cut off assistance violates international humanitarian law and risks exacerbating suffering on an unprecedented scale.

The halt in aid deliveries follows stalled ceasefire efforts that had previously provided some relief, albeit insufficient, to a population battered by months of devastation. Angelita Caredda, NRC’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized that humanitarian assistance is a right, not a privilege. “People in Gaza are already facing desperate conditions. With food supplies running out, hospitals unable to function, and families struggling to find clean water, any restrictions on aid will push the civilian population beyond collapse,” she said. The consequences of this suspension are dire, as fuel shortages cripple medical facilities, leaving thousands without necessary treatment, while food scarcity worsens malnutrition and hunger.

The blockade represents a grave breach of international law. As an occupying power, Israel is bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention, which mandates the facilitation of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. The deliberate obstruction of aid is not only a violation of these legal obligations but could also constitute a war crime. Humanitarian organizations, including NRC, have called for an immediate reversal of this decision, urging international actors to intervene and ensure the unimpeded flow of aid into Gaza. “The Government of Israel must immediately reverse this decision. International actors must do everything in their power to ensure access to Gaza resumes, so that aid reaches those in need without any further delay or disruption,” Caredda added.

The NRC has played a crucial role in alleviating suffering in Gaza, providing cash assistance, clean water, emergency shelter, and hygiene kits to thousands of displaced individuals. Its efforts have also extended to legal aid and educational support, underscoring the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian operations. Yet, without sustained access to Gaza, these life-saving services are at risk of being curtailed, leaving millions in even more desperate conditions.

The international community cannot remain silent as starvation and deprivation are weaponized against civilians. There is an urgent need for immediate and sustained humanitarian access, not only as a moral imperative but as a legal obligation. The suspension of aid will only prolong the suffering of an already devastated population, and every moment of inaction brings Gaza’s civilians closer to an irreversible humanitarian catastrophe.