Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Intensifies Amid Allegations of Rights Violations
The desperate plight of Palestinians in Gaza is escalating as allegations of rights abuses proliferate, aid is blocked, and starvation deaths rise. Reports from various sources indicate that the crisis is a result of a controversial aid distribution system run by the US-Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), coupled with alleged direct attacks by Israeli forces.
Background and Context
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been deteriorating since 2023, when Israel launched an offensive, believed to be targeted at Hamas headquarters in the southern Gazan city of Rafah. Since then, the territory has been decimated, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Amid these challenging circumstances, Palestinians have been seeking aid through the GHF, a system reportedly designed by the Boston Consulting Group.
However, the GHF has been widely criticized by rights groups, including Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and MENA Rights Group, for alleged abductions and forced disappearances of aid seekers. A report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) termed the situation an institutionalised starvation and dehumanisation
, and described the aid distribution sites as locations of stampedes, suffocating crowd surges, violent looting and lethal 'crowd control' measures
.
Key Developments
In recent weeks, the situation has worsened with increasing reports of starvation deaths and attacks on aid convoys. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 180 Palestinians, including 93 children and infants, have died from starvation and malnutrition. The Government Media Office in Gaza also stated that more than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks
are currently parked at the Gaza Strip crossing gates, blocked by Israel.
The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spokesperson, Olga Cherevko, reported systematic delays and restrictions on UN aid convoys while malnutrition and starvation intensify across Gaza, making the situation a major catastrophe
.
Implications and Reactions
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from international entities. Human Rights Watch accused Israeli forces of committing acts of genocide
and war crimes
by killing Palestinian aid seekers at GHF distribution sites. Meanwhile, the EU has warned of the extremely dire
crisis in Gaza, noting that significant obstructive factors continue to undermine humanitarian operations and aid delivery
.
Thirty-five independent UN human rights experts have called for the immediate dismantling of the GHF, citing serious violations of international law. The experts highlighted the need for robust international oversight and action under UN auspices
.
Conclusion
As the crisis continues to unfold, Israel is reportedly considering a full occupation of Gaza. Reports from Israel's Channel 12 suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning towards this move, which would be a complete reversal of its policy dating back to 2005. This development comes as the international community continues to voice concerns over the escalating humanitarian crisis and allegations of rights violations in Gaza.