Gaza Humanitarian System Faces Acute Pressure on Day 2 of Renewed War; Aid Corridors Threatened

As Israel's renewed military campaign entered its second day on May 12, 2026, UN OCHA and humanitarian organizations warned of growing pressure on Gaza's already-decimated humanitarian infrastructure. The OCHA May 7 situation report documented that 68% of Gaza's population was burning waste for fuel due to gas shortages, a methane fire at the Firas Market dumpsite on May 1 had ignited a blaze reaching 14-meter waste heaps, and 470,000 cubic meters of waste had accumulated in southern Gaza. Weekly health services were reaching approximately 370,100 people — less than 18% of Gaza's pre-war population. Only 110 health service points had been established or restored since the October 2025 ceasefire, with 196 medical evacuations in the most recent week (92 children). Food rations covered only 75% of minimum caloric needs as of May 2026, down from 100% in January 2026. The 2026 UN Flash Appeal of $4.1 billion remained under 10% funded. OCHA noted that Israeli forces closed all aid corridors following Operation Epic Fury (the US-Israel conflict with Iran), with only Kerem Shalom crossing subsequently reopened. Unexploded ordnance from the resumed military operations had already contributed to 98 accidents, 246 injuries, and 49 deaths from ERW since the October 2025 ceasefire began. Chatham House analysts warned that the Iran war had drawn international attention away from Gaza, leaving Palestinian civilians with reduced global advocacy.