In the midst of Israeli air raids and escalating violence, Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp, home to 100,000 people, is facing a mounting humanitarian crisis. Located near Deir el-Balah in the Gaza Strip, this small camp, which normally houses 30,000 residents, is rapidly becoming uninhabitable due to overcrowding, lack of water, and the spread of disease.
With the displacement of residents fleeing Israel’s relentless bombardment in the north and west, the population of Maghazi camp has more than tripled, further exacerbating the already dire conditions. Despite its location on the southern side of the Strip, which Israeli forces ordered civilians to flee before their ground invasion from the north, the camp has been subjected to intense artillery and air raids, resulting in the destruction of critical infrastructure.
The camp’s only bakery was destroyed on October 26 by Israeli air raids, leaving residents without access to bread for seven consecutive days. Furthermore, two UNRWA schools, serving as shelters for displaced civilians, are now accommodating 12,000 people each, with a third school bombed. This overcrowding has led to numerous challenges, including the spread of diseases such as smallpox and scabies, lack of access to essential resources like water, food, and children’s necessities, and limited access to sanitary towels for women.
The camp’s municipal water wells, which are crucial for providing water to the residents, have also been targeted by the Israeli occupation, making them inoperable. The municipality is unable to pump water without fuel, which is prevented from entering the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. As a result, the camp is facing a severe water shortage, further contributing to the deterioration of living conditions.
In addition to the lack of water, waste accumulation has become a significant issue, leading to the spread of insects and epidemics within the camp. Workers are unable to access the usual landfill dumps due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbating the health risks faced by the residents. The prospect of starvation is also looming, as the municipality struggles to provide food for the camp. Deteriorating machinery and limited resources further hamper their efforts.
The Maghazi municipality has received some food aid, but the quantity is far from sufficient to sustain the residents and displaced people in the camp. The mayor explains that they need 5,000 bags of flour, each containing 25kg, every few days to meet the demand. With limited vehicles and increasing danger, the municipality’s workers are tirelessly working to address the urgent needs of the camp’s inhabitants.
The situation in Maghazi camp reflects the larger crisis in Gaza, where Israeli aggression has resulted in the deaths of thousands, including many children and women. The targeting of doctors, health sector workers, journalists, ambulance personnel, and civil defense personnel has further intensified the humanitarian catastrophe.
As the world watches the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s smallest refugee camp, urgent action is needed to address the immediate needs of the residents and alleviate their suffering. The international community must come together to provide essential resources, ensure access to basic necessities, and work towards a sustainable solution that brings peace and stability to the region.
