Israel has initiated intense airstrikes on Gaza resulting in the deaths of at least 356 people according to reports. White House stated that Israel consulted with Donald Trump before proceeding with the strikes.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s blockade has left one million children facing severe hunger, as food and water supplies have drastically diminished. The World Food Programme (WFP), under the United Nations, reported that no food aid has entered Gaza since March 2, urging Israel once again to lift the complete blockade.

Hundreds of Palestinians are queuing for hours to obtain food and water, yet skyrocketing prices have made basic necessities unaffordable. For 15 consecutive days, humanitarian aid organizations have been unable to send any supplies to Gaza. The WFP stated that all border crossings for humanitarian aid and commercial goods remain closed, causing supplies of water, food, and medicine to deplete rapidly.

UNICEF reported that millions of Palestinian children are struggling to survive. They stressed the urgent need for Israel to open Gaza’s borders immediately to allow essential supplies to enter. Due to the supply crisis, prices for essential goods in Gaza have surged by over 200%.

A Gaza resident shared their distress:

“I used to rely on the community kitchen for food, but now they are struggling to feed us. My children are crying from hunger, and I have nothing left to give them. I can’t afford what we need, and we have no means of survival.”

Charitable organizations that once provided food for thousands are now shutting down due to severe shortages of cooking gas and clean water. UNICEF reported that the complete blockade has left Gaza residents without access to clean water or proper sanitation.

Read more: Gaza Crisis Deepens as Sudden Israeli Airstrikes Kill Hundreds Amid Rising Tensions

Philippe Lazzarini head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), warned that if aid is not allowed to enter soon situation could worsen dramatically. UNICEF’s regional director for Deir al-Balah urgently called for immediate access to water and electricity to save the lives of Gaza’s vulnerable children.