GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israel has captured Hamas’ former headquarters in Gaza City, but the conflict between the two sides continues to rage in further areas of Gaza. The situation for civilians in the Palestinian territory is worsening, with about 90% of the population, nearly 2 million people, having been displaced. The U.N. World Food Program reports that almost all of those in Gaza are experiencing food shortages, with half of the displaced Palestinians suffering from starvation.

According to the U.N., the humanitarian situation is on the verge of collapse, and aid delivery has become nearly impossible. The head of the U.N.’s relief agency for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the failure of global powers to negotiate a new cease-fire. The U.S., Israel’s ally, vetoed a resolution at the U.N. Security Council calling for a new cease-fire in the war.

The flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is limited by the ongoing conflict, leading to a significant gap between the aid needed and the aid being permitted to enter. The U.N. is calling for Israel to open its Kerem Shalom crossing to allow for the delivery of essential supplies.

Furthermore, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported a high number of casualties in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes. The situation has also caused anguish and anxiety in Israel, as rockets continue to be fired from Gaza.

If the U.N. relief agency ceases operations, humanitarian aid for the entire population of Gaza will be at risk. It is crucial for global powers to work towards a meaningful and sustainable solution to the conflict.