People across the world have criticized Israel for its actions of blocking food and many other essentials into Gaza. This decision by Israel was labeled as a breach of international law. Many organizations such as the United Nations and Oxfam have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon and have demanded an instant move to resume the necessities in Gaza. Due to this blockade, approximately 2 million people across Gaza faced hunger with the increasing potential risk of famine. The situation had slightly improved during a six-week ceasefire, but the renewed restrictions risk reversing this progress.
In reality, this blockade is part of Israel’s strategy to pressure Hamas. They want to extend the ceasefire’s first phase, which involves negotiations over hostages and military withdrawal. However, humanitarian groups argue that such tactics exacerbate civilian suffering. Due to airstrikes and restricted aid, Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed and people have suffered a lot. The crisis and prolonged war highlight that these political tactics took the lives of many innocent civilians.
Uncertainty in the future of Gaza
Nowadays, one of the critical points between Israel and Hamas is the ceasefire deal. The first phase ended and Israel agreed to a US deal to extend the ceasefire. One US envoy, Steve Witkoff proposed the idea of extending the ceasefire deal through Ramadan and Passover. Israel agreed to this deal if and only if Hamas accepted its conditions. Hamas has rejected the extension without guarantees for second-phase talks.
Meanwhile, more than 2 million people suffered due to the aid blockade. Formerly under Biden administration, Israel had faced pressure from the US to allow aid, but no statement has been made about the recent blockade.
Aid groups have criticized Israel for restricting supplies, while Israel accuses Hamas of misusing resources.
Uncertainty looms as both sides struggle to agree on the next steps, leaving civilians in Gaza caught in a dire and worsening situation.
In January, a ceasefire saw hundreds of trucks carrying aid arrive each day. Nevertheless, Hamas maintains that the level of fuel and essential products allowed to enter was inadequate. This led to many essential products, including animal feed, being blocked.
Despite these challenges, the people of Gaza were able to gather some necessary items through the truce. But it was only a small drop in a big bucket of needs. Everything changed with a dramatic shift when Israel suddenly cut off all aid. It happened right after a special Ramadan celebration, during which families came together to feast with each other amidst the wartime destruction.
The impact was immediate and harsh. Prices shot up, and throngs flooded into markets.
Israel’s aid blockade violates international law
People across the world have called this cutting aid unfair and is a clear violation of international laws. Tom Fletcher, the humanitarian chief of the United Nations, said that it is the right of everyone to receive life-saving aid under international law. In response, five non-governmental organizations petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court, arguing that denying aid breaches Israel’s legal obligations and constitutes a war crime. Last year, the International Court of Justice accused Israel of using starvation as a tool to kill people.
The court issued the arrest warrant against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the same time, South Africa also blamed Israel for committing genocide. Furthermore, the former head of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, related this tactic of Israel as a “war-crime starvation strategy.” He emphasized that it was the responsibility of Israel to follow the Geneva Convention and permit aid to reach civilians. The blockade intensifies Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis.