Embargo Period

12-18-2025

Degree Name

MA in Humanitarian Assistance and Crisis Management

First Advisor

Dr. Bayan Abdulhaq

Second Advisor

Dr. Latifa Dardas

Abstract

This study explores the challenges faced by humanitarian aid workers living and operating inside the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas War. Despite unprecedented levels of need and significant international funding, aid operations have been severely hindered by a combination of logistical, political, and mental health barriers. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, this research draws on eight semi-structured interviews with four medical professionals, two logisticians, one security personnel, and one protection specialist who were either deployed to Gaza or worked extensively on Gaza-related aid operations. Findings reveal that the logistics challenges were due to restrictive and inconsistently enforced authorization procedures, dual-use material bans, supply shortages, visa delays, and looters. Politically, donor pressures, competing global crises, a battle over the narrative, and the consolidation of aid distribution under the Gaza Humanitarian Fund further undermine humanitarian neutrality and operational capacity. These structural constraints contribute to severe mental health challenges for aid workers, including trauma exposure, exhaustion, powerlessness, and difficulties reintegrating into home environments. While participants identified limited workarounds, such as local staff empowerment, creative distribution strategies, and psychosocial support, the majority of obstacles stem from deliberate political decisions rather than technical limitations. The study highlights the urgent need for changes to the COGAT system, strengthened protection of humanitarian space, and expanded mental health support systems for aid personnel. It also contributes new insights into the lived experiences of responders in one of the most complex humanitarian crises of the 21st century.

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