The chairman of Indonesia's MER-C, Hadiki Habib, revealed that the military escalation between the United States and Iran has resulted in a decline in Israeli attacks on Gaza. However, this has not positively impacted the humanitarian situation in the region, as Israel continues to tighten the blockade, adversely affecting the delivery of logistical aid.
Habib stated in a press conference held in Jakarta that the current situation in Gaza reflects a significant deterioration in living conditions for the population. Food supplies have decreased markedly, and prices for remaining food items have risen, forcing residents to "tighten their belts" in the face of economic pressures.
Details of the Situation
Habib clarified that while there has been a reduction in Israeli attacks on Gaza, this has occurred in the context of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, prompting Israel to impose stricter restrictions on the border with Gaza. He confirmed that these restrictions have led to a significant decrease in humanitarian aid reaching the sector.
He mentioned that the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza is currently located in the "yellow line" area, a zone designated by Israel as a fictitious boundary, making access to the hospital difficult. He estimated that the number of residents able to live in Gaza has dropped to about 50% compared to what it was before October 7, 2023.
Background & Context
Historically, Gaza has experienced recurring conflicts due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been exacerbated by regional and international interventions. Since 2007, Gaza has suffered from a suffocating blockade imposed by Israel, leading to a deterioration of humanitarian and economic conditions. As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, concerns grow about the impact on the situation in Gaza, where regional crises intersect with humanitarian crises.
MER-C is an Indonesian humanitarian organization that provides medical and relief assistance in Gaza, and it has faced significant challenges in reaching those in need due to imposed restrictions. In May 2025, the humanitarian team was evacuated due to deteriorating security conditions, complicating relief efforts further.
Impact & Consequences
Reports indicate that the economic situation in Gaza is worsening, with residents suffering from acute shortages of food and medicine. The blockade has led to the spread of diseases and a lack of health services, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. Additionally, rising prices make it difficult for families to secure their basic needs, threatening food security in the region.
International calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza are increasing, but the imposed restrictions make it challenging to implement this aid effectively. Under these circumstances, the lives of civilians in Gaza remain at risk, as they face daily difficulties in securing their basic needs.
Regional Significance
Arab countries are directly affected by the situation in Gaza, as the ongoing conflict reflects on regional stability. The humanitarian crises in Gaza raise concerns among Arab nations, prompting them to adopt firmer stances on the Palestinian issue. The continuation of the current situation could exacerbate humanitarian crises and heighten tensions in the region.
In conclusion, the situation in Gaza urgently requires humanitarian interventions, as the military escalation between major powers directly impacts the lives of civilians in the region. Efforts to alleviate the blockade and provide humanitarian aid are essential to ensure human rights in Gaza.