The ongoing conflict, including fighting, airstrikes and siege are having a devastating impact on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, and the humanitarian situation is getting direr every day. Severe restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery mean essential items needed for survival, such as medical supplies, food and clean water are not getting into Gaza at the levels required. 

The IRC is calling for all parties to agree to an immediate and lasting ceasefire as envisaged by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.  A ceasefire is the only way to fully protect Palestinian lives, secure the release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas and other armed groups, and safely scale-up humanitarian assistance and service delivery. While fighting continues, all parties must adhere to international humanitarian law which demands protecting civilians and the infrastructure they depend on to survive. The IRC is also calling for a humanitarian reset to deliver an immediate and significant scale up of humanitarian aid.  This includes immediate action to:  Open all land border crossings to goods and personnel; streamline inspection processes and list of permitted supplies; facilitate eased entry of humanitarian and healthcare staff; ensure safe movement for all humanitarian and healthcare workers and fully reinstate critical services like water, power, and fuel supplies.

As of October 2024, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate due to ongoing hostilities. Over 41,965 Palestinians have been killed and 97,590 injured, with thousands still missing under rubble. More than 90% of the population is internally displaced, facing critical shortages of food, water, and medical care. Forced displacement orders from Israeli forces have affected over 400,000 people in northern Gaza, further straining already overwhelmed resources. Humanitarian organizations, including Palestinian NGOs and international groups, are struggling to deliver aid amidst movement restrictions, damage to infrastructure, and limited access to essential supplies.

Humanitarian actors are calling for urgent action to ensure safe, unhindered access to aid and for a permanent ceasefire to protect civilians and aid workers, as the situation worsens daily due to continued bombardments and logistical challenges​.

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