Paradox of Aid in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis or 'Slaughter'?
The Gaza strip, beleaguered by escalating conflict, is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Amid the chaos, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the United States and Israel, has been distributing food aid. However, this initiative has sparked a heated controversy as both Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and international human rights organizations slam the deadly conditions surrounding the distributions. They argue that the situation is less of a relief effort and more of a 'slaughter', with the death toll of Palestinians killed while trying to access aid rising over 580 since March 18.
Unbearable Dilemma for Gazans
According to MSF, the people in Gaza are facing an unbearable dilemma: risk their families starving or risk their lives to maybe get food at an Israeli-US distribution site. The group added, This is not humanitarian aid. It is slaughter,
referencing the growing number of Palestinians killed while attempting to access aid linked to the GHF.
Violations of International Law
Fifteen international human rights organizations have warned that the GHF and other private groups running humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza may be aiding and abetting or otherwise being complicit in crimes under international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide.
They also noted that the contractors may be liable under US law and in other jurisdictions.
Deadly Chaos and International Reaction
The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza in late May, using a new chaotic way that drew sharp criticism from the United Nations and international human rights groups. Swiss authorities have given the GHF 30 days to correct legal deficiencies in its registration or face possible court action. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the United States and Israel are working to block a UN and European-led initiative to halt the aid distribution mechanism run by the GHF.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that since March 18, a total of 583 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4,186 wounded in Israeli assaults targeting or impacting aid seekers. The overall death toll since 7 October now stands at more than 56,500, with 133,419 wounded.
The 'Weaponization' of Food
The UN Human Rights Office stated that Israel's 'weaponization' of food against civilians in Gaza amounts to a war crime. Desperate, hungry people in Gaza continue to face the inhumane choice of either starving to death or risk being killed while trying to get food,
said UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan. The majority of casualties have been shot or shelled trying to reach US-Israeli distribution sites purposefully set up in militarised zones.
Current Status and Way Forward
Despite the grim reality, authorities and tribal leaders in Gaza have denied Israel’s claim that Hamas is taking control of aid, stating that such false accusations are intended to justify the ongoing blockade and starvation. The overall situation in the region remains critical, with no immediate resolution in sight.