Palestinians Face Starvation and Violence from Israeli Forces in Daily Struggle for Aid

Twenty-one months into Israel’s conflict in Gaza, the region is facing increasing death and hunger. The United Nations reports that over a thousand people have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking food since late May. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid group backed by Israel and the US, has been criticized for its role in the crisis.

All 2.1 million residents of Gaza are now food insecure, with 900,000 children experiencing hunger and 70,000 showing signs of malnutrition. Before the conflict, Gaza was already densely populated and isolated, with severe restrictions on movement imposed by Israel.

The number of aid trucks entering Gaza daily has drastically decreased since the conflict began, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Following an attack by Hamas in October 2023, Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza, exacerbating the situation.

Israel has been accused of using food as a weapon of war and imposing collective punishment on Gaza residents. Aid deliveries have been disrupted, with Israel justifying stringent inspections to prevent supplies from reaching Hamas.

As the conflict continues, lawlessness has spread in Gaza, with looting hindering aid distribution. The situation has led to a breakdown in civil order, prompting concerns about the ability to deliver aid effectively.

The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 80 children due to malnutrition, with a quarter of Gaza’s population facing famine-like conditions. International pressure is mounting on Israel to end the blockade and agree to a ceasefire to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.