UN OCHA Warns Gaza Faces Return to Famine by Mid-April as All Land Crossings Remain Closed

As April 1, 2026 — Passover — arrived, the Gaza Strip remained under a complete land aid blockade that UN OCHA warned could tip the territory back into full famine conditions by mid-April. Israel has kept all crossings closed since February 28, when the Iran-Israel war began. Kerem Shalom has been the sole cargo crossing with extremely limited throughput, and UNDP shipments remain suspended following the March 25 contraband discovery. The 2026 Flash Appeal for Gaza ($4.1 billion) stands over 93% unfunded. UNICEF reported over 350,000 children with acute malnutrition. More than 46% of essential medicines are out of stock; 66% of surgical consumables are depleted. The ICJ's March 22 order — directing Israel to ensure basic needs are met and support UNRWA operations — has not been implemented. Thirty-seven humanitarian organizations, including MSF, IRC, Oxfam, and NRC, remain banned from operations in Gaza. Lazzarini (UNRWA) reiterated that 391 UNRWA staff have been killed, and called again for a formal UN investigation.