In the intense negotiations taking place at the United Nations, a resolution is being discussed, seeking a temporary halt in hostilities in Gaza to allow much-needed aid to enter the region. The vote on this resolution was originally scheduled for yesterday but was delayed for further negotiations. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organization, has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.
According to the organization's Israel and Palestine director, Israeli authorities have intentionally deprived the population in Gaza of food and water by obstructing humanitarian assistance and destroying essential facilities such as bakeries, grain mills, and water and sanitation facilities.
In response, an Israeli government spokesperson vehemently rejected these claims, stating that Israel has the capacity to inspect double the number of aid trucks entering Gaza. The spokesperson also mentioned that water continues to be pumped into Gaza through two pipelines, and there are no restrictions on the entry of food and water. They shifted blame towards Hamas, accusing them of hijacking aid.
Twitter Post On U.N. Negotiations Underway as Aid Blocked in Gaza Starvation Crisis
The Human Rights Watch representative strongly rejected these claims, stressing that Israeli officials had openly stated their intention to block aid from reaching Gaza until their campaign goals, whether the release of hostages or the elimination of Hamas, are achieved. This deliberate starvation of the population is considered a war crime under international law.
Although some aid has been entering Gaza through negotiations with Egypt, it is insufficient to meet the population's needs. The World Food Program reports that nine out of ten households in northern Gaza have gone without food for a full day and night, and half the population is facing severe starvation. The situation has become critical after ten weeks without basic services and food, pushing the population to the edge.
Regarding claims of Hamas hijacking aid, the Human Rights Watch representative stated that there is no evidence to support it. Families in dire circumstances will do whatever it takes to survive, but the issue lies with the inadequate amount of aid reaching Gaza, particularly in areas where there are no bakeries or accessible objects necessary for survival.
As talks continue, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed readiness for another humanitarian pause. However, little progress has been made towards new negotiations, despite U.S. officials' efforts in Qatar. The Human Rights Watch representative emphasized that hostages should be unconditionally released, unlawfully detained Palestinians should be freed, aid must be allowed in, and unlawful attacks must cease.
The UN Security Council faces the urgent task of preventing further mass atrocities and ensuring the delivery of aid. Accountability for grave abuses by all parties involved is essential. To address the ongoing repression and halt the cycle of bloodshed, there is a pressing need to tackle the root causes, including Israel's apartheid policies against Palestinians.
With the spread of disease due to the lack of clean water and families struggling to find food, urgent action is necessary to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. The conversation must also involve evaluating all forms of complicity in ongoing repression, such as implementing an embargo on U.S. arms to Israel.
As negotiations unfold and tensions persist, the fate of the people in Gaza hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgency for a resolution to end the crisis and provide much-needed aid to the population.
