STARVATION
A Starving Population
The Devastating Effects of Gaza’s Food Blockade
Before October 7, 2023, food insecurity in Gaza reached critical levels due to a systematic restriction of food aid by Israel. These restrictions effectively limited the amount of food allowed into the region, ensuring that each individual could only access the bare minimum caloric intake necessary for survival. This intentional constriction of resources forced families to make impossible choices, often leading to malnutrition and severe health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The ongoing blockade exacerbated the situation, curtailing not only food supplies but also the ability of Gazans to cultivate their own agricultural resources, rendering them increasingly dependent on limited and controlled aid, which undermined their right to adequate nutrition and wellbeing.
In a controversial statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared the intention to impose a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, asserting that the measures would involve cutting off food, water and fuel. This declaration raises significant concerns regarding the humanitarian implications for the already vulnerable population in the region. The prospect of depriving 2.2 civilians of essential resources exacerbates existing hardships. Blocking humanitarian aid is a clear violation of international humanitarian law as outlined in the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute. These legal frameworks emphasize the protection of civilians and the provision of necessary assistance during armed conflicts. The Geneva Conventions mandate that parties to a conflict must facilitate the passage of humanitarian relief and ensure that it reaches those in need without delay. Additionally, the Rome Statute recognizes hindering humanitarian aid as a war crime.
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Photo by Karam Hassan
Photo by Ahmed Al Arini
Photo by Amr Tabash
Photo by Karam Hassan
Photo by Yahya Al Awadiah
Photo by Yahya Al Awadiah
Photo by Karam Hassan
Photo by UNRWA
Photo by UNRWA
Photo by Ali Jadallah
Photo by WHO
Photo by We are Peace
Photo by WHO
Photo by WHO
Photo by WHO
The flow of aid into Gaza is heavily regulated, primarily through the controlled crossings established by Israel. The most significant of these are the Erez crossing, which allows personnel to enter and exit, and the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is the main point for goods and supplies. Israeli authorities enforce stringent security measures, including inspections and approvals, which often delay or restrict the movement of humanitarian assistance. Consequently, the availability of humanitarian aid in Gaza fluctuates based on these logistical hurdles, significantly impacting the daily lives of its residents.
Israel’s takeover of the Rafah crossing has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, significantly worsening the already dire conditions of famine faced by the local population. The crossing, which serves as a critical point for the entry of essential goods, humanitarian aid, and food supplies, has been severely restricted, halting the flow of necessary resources. This restriction has led to acute shortages of food, medical supplies, and other vital materials, pushing many families further into despair and malnutrition. The imposition of such tight controls not only undermines the basic needs of the Palestinian people but also intensifies their suffering, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and intervention to alleviate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in this region.
The recent assault on North Gaza has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, significantly intensifying the famine affecting the region. With infrastructure severely damaged and access to essential supplies severely restricted, food scarcity has reached alarming levels. Desperately needed aid has been insufficient, with reports indicating that little to no assistance is reaching those in most critical need. As families struggle to survive amidst the ongoing conflict, the lack of available food and humanitarian support threatens their immediate survival.
On October 27, 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling stating that Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza constitutes a violation of international law. The court emphasized that such actions severely impede access to essential resources for the Palestinian population, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The ICJ called for immediate measures to allow the flow of humanitarian assistance and underscored the obligation of states to uphold human rights and protect civilians in conflict zones.
Sarkha Project is currently engaged in the meticulous processing of evidence pertaining to documented starvation in Gaza ; however, we recognize the urgency of your request. Accordingly, we invite you to submit an evidence request in advance. While we are unable to provide immediate access to the processed materials, we assure you that once the analysis is complete and the evidence is validated, we will promptly fulfill your request. This procedure underscores our commitment to ensuring that all disseminated information adheres to our rigorous standards of accuracy and integrity.
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