In a recent statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that there is no starvation in Gaza, emphasizing, “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza.” He highlighted Israel's commitment to enabling humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza throughout the ongoing conflict, insisting that without such efforts, there would be no Gazans left. However, this assertion has come under scrutiny, particularly from international leaders.
Former President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with Netanyahu’s claims during a press conference, pointing to alarming images of emaciated children in Gaza. Trump remarked, “Those children look very hungry,” underscoring the humanitarian crisis that many observers are witnessing. His comments reflect a growing concern regarding the humanitarian situation in the region.
In response to mounting international pressure, Israel announced a series of humanitarian pauses and airdrops over the weekend. These measures were intended to facilitate the delivery of much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza. However, reports from the ground indicate that little has changed in the lives of those affected. The United Nations described these efforts as a "one-week scale-up of aid," but Israel has not clarified how long these measures will be in effect.
Hasan Al-Zalaan, who witnessed an airdrop, expressed frustration, stating, “This aid, delivered in this way, is an insult to the Palestinian people.” Eyewitness accounts reveal chaotic scenes where desperate individuals fought over limited supplies, with discarded cans of chickpeas littering the area.
Israel maintains that the militant group Hamas is obstructing humanitarian efforts by diverting aid intended for civilians. In contrast, the U.N. has countered that such looting is not systematic, and the flow of aid can significantly improve when sufficient supplies enter Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this month alone, including 24 children under five. This figure marks a significant increase from just 11 deaths recorded over the previous six months. The Health Ministry in Gaza, operated by Hamas, has reported even higher figures, with 82 malnutrition-related deaths this month, including 24 children and 58 adults.
In a concerning trend, the WHO noted that acute malnutrition among children under five in northern Gaza has tripled this month, now affecting nearly one in five children. The U.N. also reported that the four specialized treatment centers for malnutrition in Gaza are overwhelmed, struggling to meet the rising demand.
Despite Israel's recent measures, aid distribution remains fraught with obstacles. The U.N. World Food Program (WFP) spokesperson Martin Penner reported that the 55 trucks of aid entering Gaza were looted before they could reach their destination. Experts warn that the airdrops announced by Israel are insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the population and pose risks to both aid workers and recipients on the ground.
The Israeli military has claimed to have dropped 48 food packages in recent days, yet many Palestinians are calling for a return to the U.N.-led aid distribution system that was in place before the conflict escalated. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Israeli forces have resorted to opening fire on crowds attempting to access food distribution hubs, leading to numerous casualties.
The U.N. has consistently advocated for the loosening of restrictions on aid entry into Gaza, asserting that the most effective means of delivering food is through well-organized truck shipments. Currently, a truck can carry about 19 tons of supplies, but the U.N. reports that only an average of 146 trucks have entered Gaza daily since the onset of the war, far below the 500 to 600 trucks needed each day. This situation was exacerbated by a complete blockade that lasted 2.5 months earlier this year, preventing any supplies from entering the region.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the challenges of delivering aid continue to mount, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
