Sigrid Kaag, the UN's Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza and a former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, shares insights on the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. She discusses the urgent need for aid amid devastating living conditions and the complex political landscape. The conversation highlights the psychological trauma affecting children and the vital role of education and mental health services. Despite the overwhelming struggles, Kaag emphasizes the resilience of the Palestinian people and the necessity of maintaining hope for a better future.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by the destruction of 60 to 80 percent of civilian infrastructure, deeply affecting the population's health and living conditions.
Efforts for recovery must address both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term political solutions, including a viable two-state approach and psychological support for trauma.
Deep dives
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The current humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as dystopian and inhumane, with a significant portion of the population living under dire conditions. Many families have lost their homes, forced to reside in makeshift shelters or tents, and even those whose homes partially remain intact have lost loved ones. The health of the population is deteriorating rapidly, with widespread skin diseases and malnutrition among children. It is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of civilian infrastructure is either destroyed or damaged beyond use, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region.
Challenges in Delivering Aid
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza are severely hampered by ongoing conflict and difficult access to affected areas. There is an urgent need to establish mechanisms for transparent and expedited aid delivery, yet the violence and instability complicate these efforts further. In October, aid distribution volumes remained critically low, comparable to the much earlier situation in December the previous year, reflecting the continual barriers to effective assistance. The loss of humanitarian workers and the rising crime rates also pose significant risks to both aid personnel and civilians trying to navigate this crisis.
The Path to Reconstruction
Reconstruction in Gaza appears daunting due to the scale of destruction and the absence of a long-term political solution. There is a consensus that long-term recovery requires not only immediate humanitarian aid but also substantial investment linked to the establishment of a two-state solution and effective governance. Local initiatives from Palestinian entities and international partnerships with the EU and Gulf states may provide a foundation for future recovery, but trust issues remain a significant hurdle. The need for psychological trauma support alongside reconstruction efforts highlights the complexity of restoring normalcy to a region beset by ongoing conflict and hardship.
Gideon talks to Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, about her efforts to keep hope alive during a humanitarian catastrophe. Clip: United Nations