Arooj Sabir
After witnessing two World Wars, the international community developed legal frameworks intended to promote human security, human development, and universal human rights. Yet the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip over the past 1,000 days has led many observers to question the effectiveness of these principles and the institutions established to uphold them (Anadolu, 2026).
What was initially described by many governments as a conflict or security operation has increasingly been characterized by numerous human rights organizations as a campaign involving widespread destruction, systematic oppression, and severe violations of international humanitarian law (Human Rights Watch, 2025).
For many Palestinians in Gaza, access to fundamental rights and basic necessities has been profoundly affected, raising broader questions about the capacity of international institutions to respond effectively in times of geopolitical crisis.
The concept of human security is built upon the principles of freedom from fear and freedom from want. In Gaza, both have been severely undermined. Over the course of the conflict, more than two million people have faced repeated displacement, insecurity, and humanitarian hardship.
According to the Palestinian Government Media Office and local monitoring organizations, reported casualties have exceeded 73,000, with women and children accounting for a significant proportion of those killed (Al-Ahram, 2026). Beyond the immediate loss of life, the deaths of thousands of children and the widespread psychological trauma experienced by survivors will likely have long-term consequences for future generations.
The destruction of essential infrastructure has further deepened the humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate that 97 percent of safe drinking water infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, while water available for agriculture has declined dramatically.
The UN Human Rights Office has stated that prolonged restrictions on access to food, water, medicine, and other essential services may constitute unlawful collective punishment under international law (UN Human Rights Office, 2025). Despite the existence of international legal frameworks designed to protect civilian populations, many critics argue that enforcement has remained limited.
Consequently, civilians in Gaza continue to face not only the direct consequences of military operations but also severe shortages of food, clean water, healthcare, and basic services. Human Rights Watch has also alleged that starvation has been used as a method of warfare, an allegation Israel disputes (Human Rights Watch, 2025).
The scale of physical destruction has also severely affected human development. International development is commonly measured through indicators such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
According to available assessments, more than 90 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has sustained damage, including approximately 410,000 housing units, educational institutions, hospitals, and places of worship (Al-Ahram, 2026). The collapse of commercial activity has driven unemployment to exceptionally high levels, while the destruction of public institutions has disrupted essential services and undermined years of socioeconomic progress.
Perhaps the greatest challenge highlighted by this crisis concerns the effectiveness of international institutions responsible for maintaining international peace and justice. The United Nations Security Council, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and other international legal bodies have faced increasing criticism over their limited ability to influence developments on the ground.
The ICJ has issued provisional measures calling for increased humanitarian access and compliance with obligations under the Genocide Convention, yet implementation remains contested and politically complex (UN Human Rights Office, 2025). Similarly, actions taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC) have intensified international debate regarding accountability and the enforcement of international law.
Public opinion around the world has also become increasingly vocal. Large demonstrations, student movements, and civil society campaigns have taken place across numerous countries, reflecting widespread concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza (TRT World, 2026).
Nevertheless, many observers argue that these public expressions of solidarity have had limited influence on government policies. Critics contend that geopolitical interests, strategic alliances, and arms transfers have frequently taken precedence over humanitarian considerations, while international organizations have largely been confined to issuing statements of concern and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has prompted renewed debate about the credibility of the international order established after the Second World War. It has raised fundamental questions regarding the consistency with which principles of human rights, human security, and international law are applied across different conflicts.
For many observers, the continued suffering of civilians in Gaza reflects broader structural weaknesses within the global governance system. Whether international institutions can restore confidence in these principles will depend on their ability to ensure greater accountability, protect civilian populations, and apply international law consistently, regardless of political considerations.
Arooj Sabir is pursuing an MS in Peace and Conflict Studies at NUST. She has worked with IPRI and The Truth International and currently teaches O/A Level English Language.
