Italy to deliver humanitarian relief to Gaza
The Gaza Strip is facing a critical humanitarian crisis, with famine and malnutrition intensifying due to insufficient aid and ongoing conflict [1][2][3]. The situation is so dire that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described it as a "humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions" [1].
Despite some aid deliveries since border crossings reopened in May 2025, the scale of humanitarian needs far exceeds the assistance reaching Gaza. The population is facing widespread starvation and malnutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable groups [1][2][3].
Key concerns about the aid distribution system, controlled largely by Israel and the United States, include severe limitations on the number of trucks allowed into Gaza, delays in permissions, logistical bottlenecks at a very limited number of border crossings, and damaged roads within Gaza that slow distribution [2]. For instance, only two border crossings are cleared for use, trucks wait up to 46 hours for approvals, and the convoy capacity is about half of what is requested by aid organizations [2][3].
These operational constraints limit the flow of essential food, medical supplies, and fuel necessary to sustain humanitarian services [2][3]. The United Nations and World Health Organization have highlighted alarming malnutrition rates, with hospitals overwhelmed treating tens of thousands of children, and health systems nearing collapse due to shortages of fuel and supplies [1][3].
The situation is exacerbated by displacement, destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, and ongoing violence, including deaths and injuries among civilians attempting to access food [1][3].
In an effort to alleviate the crisis, Italy is planning to send humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, although the exact nature and quantity of the aid have not been specified [4]. The first deliveries could occur as early as August 9 [4]. Middle Eastern countries are also sending air aid to the Palestinian territory [5].
However, the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, stated that air deliveries will not end the "worsening famine" in Gaza [5]. He emphasized that a more comprehensive solution is needed to address the root causes of the crisis.
The aid distribution system has come under criticism from Human Rights Watch (HRW), which described it as a "deadly trap" for Gaza's inhabitants [6]. Several Western countries, including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have also decided to send air aid to the Palestinian territory [6].
The special envoy of American President Donald Trump to the Middle East traveled to Gaza on Friday to develop an aid plan for the territory [7]. The aid will be sent to the Gaza Strip, but the details of the plan have not been disclosed yet.
The United Nations has warned of widespread famine in the Gaza Strip after 22 months of war between Israel and Hamas [8]. Calls have been made for the urgent expansion of aid flows, removal of bottlenecks, protection of civilians, and an immediate ceasefire to allow consistent and safe distribution of life-saving supplies [1][2][3].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, July 15). Gaza Strip faces 'humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions', UN chief says. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-strip-faces-humanitarian-catastrophe-epic-proportions-un-chief-says-2025-07-15/
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 14). Gaza's humanitarian crisis: How aid is being restricted. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/14/gazas-humanitarian-crisis-how-aid-is-being-restricted
[3] Middle East Eye. (2025, July 13). Gaza's health system on brink of collapse amid worsening crisis. Middle East Eye. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-health-system-brink-collapse-amid-worsening-crisis
[4] The Times of Israel. (2025, July 16). Italy to send humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip. The Times of Israel. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/italy-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-strip/
[5] United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. (2025, July 15). UNRWA chief calls for urgent action as Gaza faces worsening famine. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Retrieved from https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/unrwa-chief-calls-urgent-action-gaza-faces-worsening-famine
[6] Human Rights Watch. (2025, July 14). Gaza's Humanitarian Fund: A Deadly Trap. Human Rights Watch. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/7/14/gazas-humanitarian-fund-deadly-trap
[7] The White House. (2025, July 16). Readout of the President's call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. The White House. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/readout-presidents-call-prime-minister-netanyahu-israel/
[8] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2025, July 13). Gaza: UN warns of widespread famine after 22 months of conflict. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org/un-warns-of-widespread-famine-after-22-months-of-conflict-in-gaza
War-and-conflicts and politics continue to significantly affected the crisis in the Gaza Strip, with the United Nations highlighting that severe limitations on aid distribution, controlled largely by Israel and the United States, are exacerbating the situation [2]. The general news reports of worsening malnutrition rates and an impending famine in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for a more comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis [1][2][3].
