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The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, with over 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) issuing a stark warning about the forced “mass starvation” of Palestinians. This dire situation, they argue, is a direct result of Israeli policies that restrict the entry of essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, into the besieged enclave. The NGOs' statement, signed by prominent organizations such as Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), underscores the severity of the crisis and calls for immediate international action to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population. The core argument presented is that the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid constitutes a war crime and a violation of international law. By preventing the delivery of life-saving resources, Israel is allegedly creating conditions of famine and malnutrition, leading to a growing number of deaths and widespread suffering. The NGOs emphasize that the situation is not merely a consequence of conflict but a deliberate policy aimed at pressuring the Palestinian population. This accusation carries significant weight, as it challenges the Israeli government's narrative that it is taking steps to mitigate civilian harm and provide humanitarian assistance. The article highlights the Palestinian Health Ministry's report that 111 people have died from famine and malnutrition in recent weeks. This figure serves as a stark indicator of the severity of the crisis and the urgency of the need for intervention. The NGOs further claim that the actual number of deaths is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported due to the collapse of the healthcare system and the difficulties in accessing medical care. The NGOs criticize the international community for its inaction, arguing that the failure to hold Israel accountable for its policies is contributing to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. They call on governments to take concrete measures to end the siege, including halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel and imposing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations. The statement also highlights the plight of humanitarian workers who are struggling to provide assistance in Gaza. Aid workers are facing immense challenges, including the risk of being shot while attempting to deliver food and the depletion of supplies due to Israeli restrictions. The NGOs express concern for the well-being of their own colleagues and partners, who are suffering from the same conditions of starvation and malnutrition as the rest of the Gazan population. The humanitarian system is described as being on the verge of collapse, unable to cope with the scale of the crisis and the obstacles imposed by the Israeli government. The article also mentions the incident where over 1,000 desperate people were killed trying to reach food, mostly in mass shootings by Israeli soldiers posted near GHF distribution centres, according to the United Nations. This event underscores the desperation of the Gazan population and the dangers they face in seeking basic necessities. The article criticizes the GHF for an alleged lack of neutrality. The NGOs call for the lifting of all bureaucratic and administrative restrictions on humanitarian aid, the opening of all land crossings into Gaza, and the ensuring of access to everyone across the territory. They also demand the rejection of military-controlled distribution and the restoration of a principled, UN-led humanitarian response. The NGOs argue that the current system is inadequate and that a more effective and impartial mechanism is needed to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. The article quotes Mara Bernasconi, the regional communications and advocacy manager for Humanity & Inclusion UK, who describes Gaza as being at the “peak level of starvation.” She emphasizes that humanitarian workers are not exempt from the suffering and are experiencing death, hunger, displacement, and danger. Bernasconi criticizes the international community for its inaction and argues that the crisis is a man-made humanitarian disaster that is deteriorating daily due to impunity and inaction. The article also includes a personal account from Raja al-Attar, an ambulance driver in Gaza, who describes the challenges he faces in providing medical care amidst the famine. He states that he has not had a single meal in the past two days and is barely holding on. Al-Attar also describes the struggles of his family, who are unable to access even the most basic necessities. He has been forced to flee his home and is now sleeping at his workplace. These personal stories provide a human face to the crisis and highlight the devastating impact of the siege on ordinary Gazans.
The Israeli government denies responsibility for the food shortages in Gaza, claiming that 950 trucks' worth of aid were in Gaza and waiting for international agencies to collect and distribute it. However, this claim is contradicted by the NGOs and other sources, who state that the Israeli government is deliberately obstructing the entry of aid and imposing restrictions that prevent its effective distribution. The NGOs point to bureaucratic delays, security checks, and the closure of border crossings as examples of the obstacles that are hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance. They also argue that the Israeli government is using security concerns as a pretext to restrict the entry of essential supplies, even though these supplies are desperately needed by the civilian population. The article also mentions Hamas's call for demonstrations and sit-ins to protest the siege of Gaza. Hamas has urged “all the free people of the world” to organize demonstrations, sit-ins and “angry marches” until the siege is broken and the famine ends. This call reflects the growing frustration and desperation of the Gazan population, who feel abandoned by the international community. The article concludes by highlighting the urgent need for international action to alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population. The NGOs argue that the situation is unsustainable and that immediate measures are needed to prevent further deaths and suffering. They call on governments to hold Israel accountable for its policies, to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and to work towards a lasting solution to the conflict.
Furthermore, the international legal implications of Israel's actions in Gaza are significant. Many human rights organizations and legal scholars argue that the restrictions on humanitarian aid and the resulting starvation of the population constitute war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Specifically, Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute defines as a war crime "Intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions." The NGOs' accusations that Israel is deliberately creating conditions of starvation to pressure the Palestinian population raise serious questions about whether Israel's actions meet this definition. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate that Israel acted with the intent to starve civilians as a method of warfare. However, the evidence presented in the article, including the restrictions on humanitarian aid, the statements by Israeli officials, and the testimonies of aid workers and Gazans, suggests that there is a strong case to be made. The international community has a responsibility to investigate these allegations and to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. This includes not only individuals but also states that may be complicit in these crimes through their support for Israel's policies. The article's focus on the role of the United States in the conflict is particularly relevant in this regard. The US has long been a staunch ally of Israel and has provided it with significant military and financial assistance. This support has enabled Israel to maintain its occupation of the Palestinian territories and to pursue policies that have been criticized by human rights organizations and international bodies. The US has also used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block resolutions that would hold Israel accountable for its actions. The NGOs argue that the US has a moral and legal obligation to use its influence to pressure Israel to end the siege of Gaza and to comply with international law. This includes halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition to Israel and imposing sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations. The article also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not simply a result of the current situation but is a consequence of decades of occupation, blockade, and political stalemate. A lasting solution to the conflict requires addressing the underlying issues, including the right of Palestinians to self-determination, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of a just and equitable peace. The international community has a responsibility to work towards this goal and to create conditions that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security.
Source: More than 100 NGOs warn Israel’s forced ‘mass starvation’ stalks all Gaza