ICSPR Warns of the Worsening Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza Due to the Ongoing Closure of Crossings and the Prevention of Aid Entry for the Twelfth Consecutive Day

Reference Number: 26/2025
Date: March 13, 2025
Original Language: Arabic

Press Release

ICSPR Warns of the Worsening Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza Due to the Ongoing Closure of Crossings and the Prevention of Aid Entry for the Twelfth Consecutive Day

The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) warns of the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip due to the continued closure of crossings and the prevention of humanitarian aid entry. This situation exacerbates the suffering of more than two million Palestinians living under siege and is pushing the Strip toward a complete collapse of all basic life necessities.

The residents of Gaza are enduring an unprecedented catastrophic situation due to the ongoing genocide for the past 16 months, which has turned the Strip into a devastated zone, causing massive destruction and dire living conditions. This suffering has been further exacerbated by the closure of crossings for the tenth consecutive day, despite the ceasefire agreement. Since the beginning of last week, the Israeli occupation authorities have shut down all crossings leading to Gaza and have prevented the entry of humanitarian aid and food supplies while continuing to block commercial goods from entering since October 2023.

ICSPR warns that the resurgence of famine in Gaza due to the continued blockade on aid and the closure of crossings threatens humanitarian and economic disasters in the short, medium, and long term. This closure has led to a severe shortage of food supplies, skyrocketing prices, and the disappearance of many essential goods from markets. Additionally, purchasing power has declined to unprecedented levels, and most charity kitchens—on which more than 70% of the population rely for daily meals—have ceased operations.

ICSPR highlights that Israeli restrictions on fuel and electricity supplies have caused a near-total shutdown of essential services. Municipalities can no longer remove accumulating waste, raising the risk of disease outbreaks. Hospitals have been forced to suspend operations, endangering the lives of thousands of patients, particularly those in intensive care and neonatal units. Ambulance and emergency services have also ceased operations, while water desalination plants and bakeries have shut down, forcing thousands of families to rely on firewood for cooking due to the severe gas shortage.

The ICSPR further reports that the people of Gaza are facing a severe housing and shelter crisis due to the blockade on relief shipments. Only half of the agreed-upon tents and 16 caravans—out of 60,000—have been delivered, leaving thousands of families homeless under dire conditions. It is worth noting that the Israeli occupation has destroyed more than 80% of Gaza’s buildings, displacing over two million Palestinians.

Moreover, ICSPR notes that the Israeli occupation has imposed severe restrictions on the entry of financial aid into Gaza, causing a severe liquidity crisis in local banks. The refusal to replace damaged banknotes has further deepened the economic crisis, making it increasingly difficult for residents to manage their daily lives. The markets have also witnessed price manipulation due to the collapse of the economic system, leading to the rise of a new class of profiteers.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, ICSPR condemns the continued grave violations committed by Israeli forces, including ongoing airstrikes and gunfire, which have resulted in the deaths of 164 people and injuries to nearly 300 others. This has raised the total death toll to 48,446 since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, while 14,000 bodies remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.

While denouncing the continued failure of the international community to stop the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank—where the lack of genuine pressure has emboldened the occupation to persist in its crimes, including using starvation as a weapon and imposing collective punishment in Gaza—ICSPR calls for the following urgent actions:

1. ICSPR urges the United Nations, third-party states, humanitarian organizations, and mediators to take immediate action to pressure the Israeli occupation to respect international humanitarian law, comply with the ceasefire agreement, reopen crossings and humanitarian corridors, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, fuel, temporary shelters, and the restoration of electricity. It also demands the immediate entry of medical equipment, medicines, and the urgent evacuation of the wounded and sick without obstruction.

2. ICSPR calls on the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to provide water, food, shelter, and healthcare to prevent a large-scale famine. It also demands the activation of sanctions and boycott measures and the prosecution of Israel for its crimes before international courts.

3. ICSPR urges the governing authorities in Gaza to strengthen market regulations, prevent monopolies, and take strict legal measures against violators. It also calls on traders to adhere to fair exchange rates and reasonable pricing for goods and food supplies.

4. ICSPR calls for enhanced Arab and international efforts to implement the Arab reconstruction plan and find a just political solution that guarantees an end to the occupation, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for refugees.

5. ICSPR demands the agreement on a comprehensive national plan to confront the ongoing genocide and Israeli aggression, including the formation of a national unity government that strengthens Palestinian resilience and rebuilds the institutions of the political system on democratic foundations.

End.
International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR)