GENEVA/KINSHASA/KYIV – Humanitarian crises are escalating across multiple fronts globally, with the United Nations highlighting dire conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while simultaneously urging sustained funding for urgent needs, including in Ukraine.
According to a report from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on April 8, 2025, hostilities persist throughout the Gaza Strip, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. A critical point of concern is the prolonged closure of crossings vital for bringing aid and commercial cargo into the territory. These crossings have remained shut since March 2, marking the longest continuous closure witnessed since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023.
Gaza: Record Aid Blockade and Dire Nutritional Crisis
The extended closure of entry points has severely impacted the supply chain, leading to a critical depletion of essential stocks. This has resulted in a dire nutrition situation among the population, raising alarm among humanitarian agencies about potential famine conditions. On April 8, new displacement orders issued by Israeli forces prompted further movement of families fleeing their homes in neighborhoods across Gaza city, Khan Younis, and northern Rafah. The constant influx of displaced persons has pushed existing shelters beyond their capacity, leading to severely overcrowded conditions and the collapse of hygiene and sanitation systems, significantly increasing health risks.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Surging Violence and Displacement
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), escalating violence continues to plague the eastern provinces. The South Kivu province, in particular, has seen an intensification of clashes, notably in Kalehe territory since April 7. This surge in conflict is driving significant internal displacement as civilians flee the fighting in search of safety.
OCHA has issued a stark warning regarding the extreme risks faced by civilians caught in the violence, with women and girls identified as particularly vulnerable. The report cited a disturbing incident on April 6 in Kalehe, where two women were abducted and raped. This incident is part of a wider pattern, with OCHA verifying at least a dozen cases of conflict-related sexual violence in the area since early March, underscoring the pervasive threat civilians, particularly women and girls, face.
The violence is not confined to Kalehe alone. Clashes were also reported in Walungu territory on April 5, contributing to the displacement crisis in the province. Since early March, over 7,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Walungu territory due to the ongoing insecurity.
Adding to the humanitarian challenges in the DRC, heavy rainfall on April 2 caused severe flooding in Tanganyika province. The floods, particularly affecting Kalemie territory, resulted in tragic losses, including two deaths. The deluge has also had a devastating impact on housing, with nearly 16,000 people losing their homes since late March.
Global Humanitarian Landscape and UN Appeal
Addressing the multifaceted global challenges, UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher spoke before the Security Council on April 8. He highlighted the increasing danger confronting civilians in conflict zones around the world, urging all parties engaged in hostilities to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and essential civilian infrastructure. Fletcher’s address underscored the urgent need for global attention and resources, specifically calling for sustained funding to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and other crisis-affected areas globally, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanitarian needs worldwide and the imperative for a coordinated international response to alleviate suffering and protect vulnerable populations.
