Gaza’s humanitarian crisis: A threat to SDG progress

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis: A threat to SDG progress | Photo: Mohammed Ibrahim

The Gaza Strip faces a worsening humanitarian crisis that jeopardizes progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) are at risk due to military operations, access restrictions, and fuel shortages that disrupt aid delivery.

This report examines the complexities of the crisis, focusing on the efforts of local aid workers, the impact of global funding shortfalls, and the challenges of implementing international commitments. Drawing on UN News reports and firsthand accounts, it analyzes how Gaza’s situation reflects broader challenges in addressing conflict-driven humanitarian emergencies, hindering SDG progress.

The crisis in numbers

Since October 2023, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in at least 56,300 Palestinian deaths and 133,000 injuries, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The entire population of 2.1 million faces severe food insecurity, with famine risk at critical levels. Israel’s blockade has limited aid delivery, with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) providing only 9,000 metric tons of food in the past month, insufficient for the population’s needs. Fuel shortages affect hospitals and water treatment facilities, while telecommunications disruptions complicate aid delivery coordination.

Recent incidents highlight the dangers of the humanitarian crisis. Since May 2025, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel, has facilitated food distribution, but over 410 Palestinians have died and hundreds have been injured while accessing aid in militarized zones. On June 17, 51 people were killed and 200 injured when Israeli forces shelled a crowd near UN food trucks, according to UN reports. UN officials have described these conditions as creating significant barriers to humanitarian efforts.

SDG 2: Zero hunger under siege

SDG 2 aims to eliminate hunger, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. In Gaza, food insecurity has intensified due to the blockade, ongoing since mid-March 2025, which restricts food supplies. Residents face limited options: risk violence at aid delivery points, endure starvation, or pay high prices for scarce market goods. UNRWA reports that basic goods in Gaza cost more than in Europe, with civil servant Akram Yousef stating, “Prices are unnatural, much higher than in Europe.”

The GHF’s distribution system, designed to operate outside UN frameworks, has faced criticism for operating in militarized areas, exposing civilians to violence. The UN’s system prioritizes neutrality and impartiality, but the GHF’s approach has led to incidents of violence at distribution sites. The WFP notes that fear of starvation drives crowds to transport routes, increasing risks. UNICEF reported the death of 13-year-old Abed Al Rahman, killed while seeking food, underscoring the impact of food insecurity.

SDG 3: Health and well-being in collapse

SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all. Gaza’s healthcare system struggles under conflict and resource shortages. The World Health Organization (WHO) delivered its first medical shipment since March 2025 on June 25, insufficient for a population facing malnutrition, disease, and injuries. Since October 2023, 3,000 to 4,000 children have undergone limb amputations, per WHO data. Dr. Adil Husain, an American physician in Gaza, reported severe trauma cases and limited medical access.

UNRWA’s 115 mobile medical teams provide vaccinations, antenatal care, and mental health support, but access restrictions and insecurity limit their operations. Between June 16 and 22, these teams conducted 88,676 consultations, though violence restricts their reach. Fuel shortages have impaired hospital functions, and UNICEF warns of dehydration risks for children if the blockade continues. UNRWA provided psychosocial support to 3,095 individuals in one week, addressing trauma and gender-based violence.

SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions undermined

SDG 16 promotes peaceful societies, access to justice, and effective institutions. In Gaza, ongoing conflict undermines these goals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a ceasefire, noting Israel’s legal obligation as the occupying power to facilitate humanitarian aid. However, Israeli authorities have denied over 20 telecommunications repair requests and restricted 50% of humanitarian missions, citing security concerns.

The UN has flagged attacks on civilians at aid delivery sites as potential violations of international law, with OHCHR’s Thameen Al-Keetan noting the role of militarized aid hubs in worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The GHF’s operations have faced challenges, including reported attacks by Hamas on staff and looting by criminal groups, disrupting aid delivery. The UN maintains neutrality and impartiality, declining participation in systems that compromise these principles. Local governance structures face significant strain, limiting access to justice for civilians.

The unsung heroes: Local aid workers

Local aid workers in Gaza continue to provide essential services despite significant risks. UNRWA’s 1,222 health personnel deliver medical care and support under dangerous conditions. In Temporary Learning Spaces, over 56,000 children, 55% girls, access education and recreational activities. A nurse in Khan Younis, Amina, stated, “Every day, we face the choice, stay safe or help someone who might not survive without us. We choose to help, even when bombs fall nearby.” Her team operates mobile clinics in shelters, addressing malnutrition and injuries with limited resources. These efforts often receive less attention than broader geopolitical issues.

Global funding shortfalls: A broader context

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsened by global funding shortages. The WFP estimates that 319 million people across 67 countries face acute food insecurity in 2025, with Gaza and Sudan particularly affected. The UN’s 2025 appeal for Gaza is only 23% funded, limiting aid delivery capacity. Sudanese refugees face similar neglect, reflecting misaligned global priorities. The Sevilla Commitment, a 2024 pledge to increase humanitarian funding, has seen slow implementation. Dr. Sarah Al-Masri, a humanitarian policy analyst, noted, “The international community makes promises, but funds don’t reach the ground fast enough.” This delays SDG progress in conflict zones.

Analysis: Systemic failures and geopolitical barriers

The Gaza humanitarian crisis highlights systemic issues in global humanitarian systems. The UN’s emphasis on neutrality conflicts with Israel’s support for militarized aid delivery, creating obstacles for relief efforts. The GHF’s approach, supported by the U.S. and Israel, bypasses UN protocols, leading to violence at distribution sites. Reports of interference by Hamas and looting by criminal groups further complicate aid delivery. Geopolitical tensions, including Israel’s blockade and recent escalations with Iran, divert global attention, risking Gaza’s marginalization, as Guterres noted.

Recommendations for action

1.     Immediate ceasefire and access: All parties should prioritize a ceasefire to enable safe aid delivery. Israel should open border crossings and allow unrestricted fuel and supply flows, per international law.

2.     Strengthen UN-led aid systems: The international community should support UN-led aid delivery mechanisms, which are effective when unimpeded.

3.     Increase funding: Donor nations should fulfill the Sevilla Commitment with prompt funding for conflict zones, with transparent disbursement reporting.

4.     Protect local aid workers: Enhanced security and international support are needed to ensure the safety of Gaza’s aid workers.

5.     Independent investigations: The UN’s call for investigations into attacks on civilians at aid delivery sites should be supported to ensure accountability.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores how conflict threatens SDG progress. SDG 2, SDG 3, and SDG 16 are critical for millions facing food insecurity, health challenges, and injustice. Local aid workers’ efforts provide hope, but require global support. As funding shortages and geopolitical priorities persist, the international community must act to fulfill commitments like the Sevilla Commitment, ensuring Gaza’s crisis is addressed to advance SDG progress.