THE Gaza-Israel conflict, a long-standing flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, has once again escalated, plunging the region into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. As violence intensifies and civilian casualties mount, the United Nations (UN) finds itself at the forefront of relief efforts, offering a fragile lifeline to those caught in the crossfire. However, the UN’s ability to respond effectively is hindered by political divisions, logistical obstacles, and geopolitical complexities.
The roots of the Gaza conflict stretch back to 1948, when Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel. Gaza has since endured cycles of violence, with major escalations in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and the most recent outbreak in 2024. The latest round of violence began on October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, prompting a devastating Israeli military response. This surge in violence has exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Gaza, where residents face extreme poverty, high unemployment, limited access to clean water, and a fragile healthcare system.
The UN has been involved in Gaza for decades, with its specialized agencies working to mitigate the effects of conflict on civilians. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is pivotal in providing shelter, food, and medical supplies to Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Many displaced Palestinians take refuge in UNRWA-run schools, but these shelters have increasingly become targets for airstrikes. The World Health Organization (WHO) is attempting to deliver essential medical aid, but strict border controls and shortages—especially of fuel—have hampered its efforts. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) is providing daily food assistance to vulnerable families, attempting to mitigate the immediate hunger crisis.
The UN Security Council has convened several times to address the escalating violence, but political divisions among its members have stymied meaningful action. Proposals for ceasefires or measures to protect civilians have been blocked or diluted due to the opposing interests of key nations. The United States, for example, has vetoed calls for an immediate ceasefire, prioritizing Israel’s right to self-defense, while Russia and Brazil have pushed for measures that focus on protecting Gaza’s civilians. This ongoing geopolitical deadlock underscores the challenges the UN faces in forging a unified approach.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for humanitarian aid and civilian protection in Gaza. However, his statements have drawn criticism, particularly from Israeli officials who accuse him of not sufficiently condemning Hamas’ attacks or fully supporting Israel’s right to self-defence. In a dramatic diplomatic fallout, Israel declared Guterres “persona non grata,” highlighting the tensions between Israel and the UN during this crisis.
Despite the challenges, the UN’s role in Gaza remains indispensable. Agencies like UNICEF continue to provide life-saving aid to children and the (UNDP) works to rebuild Gaza’s critical infrastructure. However, without a significant breakthrough in diplomatic efforts, these humanitarian efforts are limited in their ability to alleviate the crisis.
The international community must do more to support the UN’s work. A coordinated, sustained effort is needed to ensure humanitarian access, protect civilians and push for a ceasefire. While the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles, the UN’s humanitarian work offers a fragile lifeline to those in desperate need.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
