Why did the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip become more severe during the Israel-Hamas War?

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip intensified significantly during the Israel-Hamas War due to a combination of military operations, a comprehensive blockade, and the resulting displacement of the population.

On October 9, 2023, Israel initiated a "complete siege" of the territory, cutting off essential supplies including water, electricity, food, and fuel. This blockade, which international reports characterized as a primary driver of "entirely man-made" famine conditions, severely restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid. Throughout the conflict, military operations—including air strikes and ground invasions—led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, with more than two-thirds of buildings in the Gaza Strip damaged or destroyed by November 2025.123

The crisis was further exacerbated by:
* Mass Displacement: Within the first three weeks of the war, more than 1.4 million Palestinians were internally displaced.12
* Restricted Access: Frequent border closures and the isolation of urban centers, such as Rafah, hindered the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide relief.45
* Casualties: The conflict resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, placing an extreme burden on the territory's medical and social systems.423