GAZA: ‘There Are No Standards to Tell You What to Do in Conditions like Gaza’

Gaza's humanitarian crisis continues to deepen amid ongoing Israeli military operations, according to a recent interview with Ibrahim Arandas, a Palestinian activist and project manager at SPARK Gaza, a local civil society organization focused on delivering humanitarian and psychosocial support. The situation, described as one of extreme hardship and systemic deprivation, reflects the persistent challenges faced by civilians living under continuous siege and restricted access to essential services. Arandas outlined the current conditions in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israeli military campaign, which began in October 2023, has drastically altered daily life. Most residents were displaced from their homes, and nearly all rely on external aid for survival. While a partial ceasefire initiated on 10 October 2025 allowed increased humanitarian assistance, the overall conditions remain dire. Local organizations, volunteer groups, and international partners have continued to operate despite the immense logistical and safety hurdles. Life in Gaza today is marked by chronic shortages and pervasive uncertainty. Arandas described the region as being transformed into a place akin to a concentration camp, where the Israeli authorities have implemented a strategy aimed at both physical confinement and psychological erosion. This approach, he explained, is designed to maintain control over the population while minimizing global attention and ensuring that even basic human rights are systematically denied. The psychological impact on the civilian population has been profound. Mental health professionals and aid agencies report widespread anxiety and feelings of severe helplessness, especially among those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and social connections. Among the most pressing needs identified by SPARK Gaza are clean water, medical care, shelter, and mental health support. Despite the ceasefire, major obstacles persist in delivering aid effectively. Movement within and out of Gaza remains highly restricted, with frequent closures and limited border crossings dictating who can access critical services. During periods of heightened tension, these restrictions intensify, making it nearly impossible for aid workers to reach affected communities. Arandas noted that the lack of a formal risk assessment system adds to the unpredictability of operations, forcing teams to adapt continuously to changing circumstances. SPARK Gaza has had to evolve its methods of operation in response to the evolving crisis. The organization has expanded its efforts, adapting strategies to meet the rapidly shifting landscape of conflict. With access to project sites and target populations fluctuating weekly due to movement constraints and security threats, the team has had to frequently revise plans and adjust delivery methods. Some sessions have been moved online to accommodate these disruptions, highlighting the necessity for flexibility in such environments. Arandas introduced a new framework called “adaptive conflict project management,” which outlines best practices for managing projects in volatile settings. This includes developing comprehensive risk assessments, delegating responsibilities to frontline staff rather than relying solely on leadership, distributing tasks across different geographic areas to account for mobility limitations, and ensuring the well-being and morale of all workers. Local civil society groups have played a crucial role in sustaining the humanitarian response, leveraging community-based organizing alongside international partnerships that provide necessary resources. However, Arandas stressed that further support is needed to ensure continued effectiveness. Coordination remains key, and the ability to respond to emerging needs will depend heavily on maintaining open lines of communication and securing additional funding and logistical backing.