Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza has reached critical levels as starvation looms over the population due to severe restrictions on aid.

Role of Aid Organizations

• For weeks, kitchens operated by organizations like the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) were the only reliable sources of food.
• These kitchens met only 25% of the daily nutritional needs of about half the population, as per UNFP data.

Imposition of Aid Ban

• In early March, Israel imposed a total ban on humanitarian aid entry, coinciding with the collapse of a ceasefire.
• This marked the longest period since the war began, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, during which Gaza was entirely cut off from aid.

Consequences for Palestinians

• Thousands face severe hunger and malnutrition, exacerbated by a shortage of clean water.
• Israeli policies suggest using starvation as leverage against Hamas, a breach of international law under the Geneva Conventions.

Political Stances

• Israeli ministers have expressed controversial views on the aid blockade, seeing it as a justified measure to pressure Hamas.
• Hamas has refused to negotiate unless the "hunger war" ends.

International Response

• Calls for Israel to establish humanitarian corridors have come from the US, Canada, and European allies.
• Despite these calls, Israel announced an "intensified" offensive, complicating ceasefire efforts.

Conclusion

Without immediate action and sustained dialogue, the humanitarian crisis will worsen, destabilizing the region further.