After months of warnings, a report presented by the United Nations (UN) and bringing to light statistics, claims that the humanitarian crisis in Gauze tends to become a “man-made famine”.
Through this study, the pressure on Israel to respect the right to life of Palestinians and to allow the passage of humanitarian aid, vital for their survival, is increasing. Speaking to the BBC, UN Commissioner Volker Türk, expresses the opinion that there is a strong possibility of Israel to use artificial famine as a weapon to exterminate the Palestinians. He points out, in fact, that if something like this is verified, it constitutes a war crime.
For his part, Israel’s Minister of Finance – from the Likud party – Nir Barkat categorically rejects the claims made by the UN official, pointing out that they are “completely baseless” and dangerous to come from official lips. He also reverses the allegations by saying that the humanitarian aid that reaches the Gaza Strip under the responsibility of the US – and other states – is distributed normally, without the intervention of Tel Aviv, while – according to him – the UN is unable to distribute the necessary items for the survival of citizens, since Hamas takes what it needs to continue its destructive work and in the end there is nothing left for the civilians.
At the same time, however, queues of trucks carrying humanitarian aid are forming at the Rafah border crossing, which are being turned back to Egypt at Israel’s fault, since the only way to enter the war zone is to manage to get through the red tape.
Alternative channels for humanitarian aid
Supplies, now arriving by the dropper, are prompting Jordan and countries such as the US and the UK to opt for “airborne” humanitarian aid distribution, which is however the least effective method of getting the Palestinians what they need.
Meanwhile, the Americans to deal with the problem have enlisted engineers with the aim of building a jetty and, by sea, to deliver food to the Gaza Strip. However, none of this would be necessary if Israel opened the road crossings and allowed essentials to pass through the port of Ashdod, located a few kilometers north of Gaza.
In this bleak context, those who manage to survive in Gaza try to stay safe and, in order to combat the problem of hunger, rush on foot or even swim to the places where the boxes have fallen with outside help.
I strongly blame
Reflecting on the situation prevailing in Palestine in recent months, Volker Türk emphasizes that each side should be held accountable for what is being done, including those that do not allow water and food to reach those in need.
“My colleagues constantly repeat that there are obstacles (including the distribution of humanitarian aid). Israel is responsible for this”, he characteristically declares and added that “Things speak for themselves. I understand that there should be an audit, but valuable time is being wasted.” Regarding the accusations received by Israel, Mr. Türk adds that “when you use all your means to put obstacles in a time of need, it is reasonable to consider that hunger is also used as a weapon”.
The resulting concerns have been steadily intensifying since last week, when maps and statistics – along with lengthy text – proving what was described above were released.
The figures published by an international network of renowned authority explain and prove that starvation could be a reality in Gaza if a ceasefire is not reached within the next 8 weeks and the necessities for the citizens do not reach. Those living the war, however, did not expect the statistics to confirm the tragic reality. Especially the parents, who for months try to save their children from death.
The harsh reality of children
Just one of the cases of children who need hospital care is that of Noora Mohammed who suffers from chronic cystic fibrosis, which is getting worse every day. He cannot be treated, even when no bombs are falling.
“My daughter cannot move, she is sick and there is nothing for her to eat,” says her mother. And this is -unfortunately- not a unique case. Children suffer from dermatitis and many other diseases. They all have starvation as a common component.
However, although this situation is more than well known at the highest levels of the Israeli government, it chooses to ignore international calls for a ceasefire. “Nothing will get in our way. We will release our hostages,” emphasizes Israel’s Minister of Finance, Nir Barkat, repeating that “the goal is to wipe Hamas off the map, and we expect the world’s support for this.”
With information from BBC/in.gr