Gaza is facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, with experts supported by the UN warning of potential famine. According to the health ministry in the region, the death toll from the ongoing conflict has surpassed 60,000, a figure that does not account for casualties due to hunger amid worsening conditions exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of aid between March and May.
- Advertisement -
This week, in an effort to mitigate the situation, Israel implemented daily pauses in hostilities and opened secure routes to allow UN and non-governmental organizations to distribute food throughout the stricken areas of Gaza. Hundreds of truckloads of aid have begun to flow in as a result.
However, Israeli airstrikes have continued. A report from Gaza’s civil defense agency indicated that 30 individuals were killed overnight in the Nuseirat refugee camp, raising alarms that a humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions could be imminent.
Urgent Action Required
Ross Smith, the emergency director of the World Food Programme, drew parallels between the current circumstances in Gaza and some of the most devastating famines in history. “This is unlike anything we have seen in this century. It reminds us of previous disasters in Ethiopia or Biafra,” he remarked. “We need urgent action now.”
According to Smith, “Time is running out.” The agency emphasized the need for a substantial influx of food aid to Gaza, stressing that efforts must be continuous and unobstructed to avert mass starvation.
In a statement released prior to the IPC report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of manipulating casualty numbers and misappropriating aid intended for civilians. “While the situation in Gaza is difficult, Israel is working diligently to ensure aid delivery. Unfortunately, Hamas benefits from portraying a humanitarian crisis,” the statement asserted.
Despite Netanyahu’s insistence that “there is no starvation in Gaza,” he faced criticism even from international allies, including US President Donald Trump, who has expressed concerns about a “real starvation” situation.
On March 2, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza after ceasefire talks fell apart. Following increased international pressure in late May, a limited amount of aid was allowed back in. On Sunday, Israel began tactical pauses, facilitating the crossing of aid trucks into Gaza while allowing humanitarian airlifts from Jordan and the UAE.
However, the IPC warns that the current aid efforts, though ramping up, are not sufficient without granting “immediate, unimpeded” access to humanitarian organizations. The IPC cautioned, “Failure to act now will result in widespread death across much of the Strip,” noting that, since July 17, 16 children under five have died from hunger.
Reports indicate that the military pauses established by Israel cover key populated areas from 10 AM to 8 PM daily, with designated routes for aid convoys secured from 6 AM to 11 PM.
COGAT, an Israeli defense ministry body overseeing civil affairs in Palestinian territories, noted that over 200 truckloads of aid were distributed recently by various agencies. An additional 260 trucks were allowed into Gaza, alongside fuel shipments and aid airdrops.
Despite these measures, airstrikes continued, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children, in the central Nuseirat district. Mahmud Bassal from civil defense reported that “the strikes targeted several civilian homes” and confirmed the tragic loss of 30 lives, including 14 women and 12 children.
Pressure Beyond Statements
The Norwegian Refugee Council has urged world leaders to exert more pressure on Israel, calling for tangible actions beyond mere “angry tweets and statements.” In an interview with RTÉ’s News at One, NRC spokesperson Bayram stressed, “The amount of aid reaching Gaza is still well below what’s needed. We need hundreds of trucks daily, not just a hundred.” He advocated for sustained humanitarian access, stating, “Everything on the ground speaks of a deliberate policy to starve people.”
Bayram further emphasized the need for decisive diplomatic actions, saying, “We don’t want just condemnation. We need real action, and that happens through diplomacy. Instead of addressing the crisis, we are witnessing policies that push people toward hunger and deprivation.”
Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
Meanwhile, Hamas’s negotiating team has traveled from Doha to Turkey to discuss the latest challenges in ceasefire negotiations. According to a Hamas official, “A high-level leadership delegation is meeting with Turkish officials to address the stalled talks.” Mediators from Qatar have been working between Israeli and Hamas representatives to facilitate a breakthrough regarding ceasefire and hostages in Gaza.
Last week, the United States joined Israel in withdrawing its negotiators, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff blaming Hamas for the stalemate. Hamas politburo member Bassem Naim revealed that recent discussions focused on potential Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, yet international calls for a ceasefire continue to be met with resistance from Israeli officials, such as Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who dismissed such demands as a “distorted campaign of international pressure.” “It’s not going to happen, regardless of the pressure exerted on Israel,” he asserted.
As we continue to witness this humanitarian crisis unfold, international leaders and organizations must act decisively to alleviate the suffering faced by the people of Gaza.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
