The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel’s decision to halt food and aid deliveries pushes prices to extreme levels, exacerbating an already dire crisis.

Aid workers warn that the move undermines efforts made during the recent six-week ceasefire to prevent widespread famine. Thousands of Palestinians are queuing outside aid distribution centers, hoping to receive basic necessities as food shortages deepen.

The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed last week that its food stockpiles in Gaza are depleted, as all incoming supplies were immediately distributed to hungry families during the first phase of the ceasefire deal. In Khan Younis, residents struggle to access bread and flour, with many going days without sufficient food.

Bushra Abu Akar, a mother in Khan Younis, described the dire situation: “The last time I received aid, it was just one bag of flour. For those who have children, it is not enough. No one is working. There is no money. There is nothing.”

More than 16 months of war have left Gaza’s entire population dependent on humanitarian aid. Fares al-Qeisi, another resident, recalled the famine conditions before the temporary ceasefire, saying, “Children would cry in the morning, saying they wanted a piece of bread.”

Israel’s decision to block supplies has drawn widespread condemnation. The United Nations human rights office warned on Friday that “any denial of the entry of the necessities of life for civilians may amount to collective punishment.”

On Sunday, Israel also cut off electricity to Gaza as it pushes Hamas to agree to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Hamas has condemned the move as “unacceptable blackmail” and insists on immediate negotiations for the second phase, which is intended to secure a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Israeli negotiators are set to arrive in Doha today, where mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are attempting to revive the stalled deal. The talks for the second phase were originally scheduled to begin a month ago.

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