Akihiro Seita, a 63-year-old doctor specializing in infectious disease and the director of health for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), recently embarked on a visit to Gaza from March 20 to April 10. His observations during this trip shed light on the harsh realities faced by the residents of Gaza. Seita encountered a troubling scene upon entering northern Gaza through an Israeli military checkpoint, where over 1,000 young people displayed desperation by attempting to seize supplies from a convoy, highlighting the scarcity and need for aid in the region.

The once calm and safe city of Gaza has transformed into a war-torn landscape, with residents facing not only physical destruction but also emotional turmoil, as Seita noted a collapse in the hearts of the people. The severe limitations imposed by the Israeli military on the movement of trucks carrying essential supplies have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with accusations leading to restrictions on UNRWA staff entering certain areas. The deteriorating infrastructure, such as the Salah al-Din Road reduced to a dusty path, and the sight of crumbling buildings reflect the rapid devastation that has befallen Gaza, leaving U.N. officials dismayed by the level of destruction witnessed.