Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:Reuters

A new report by international human rights observers has accused Israel of carrying out a deliberate policy of starving the population of Gaza. The claims are based on testimonies from displaced Palestinians, as well as medical staff treating children suffering from severe malnutrition in the territory.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has now lasted more than 22 months, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Families are facing days without sufficient food, and medical personnel are warning of a deepening crisis that threatens the health and survival of civilians.

First-Hand Testimonies Reveal Devastation

Displaced families in Gaza describe extreme hardship. Many have fled their homes due to the conflict, only to find themselves living in temporary shelters with little access to food or water. Some families report going entire days without proper meals.

Medical workers in hospitals have reported alarming cases of malnutrition among children. Doctors note that children are arriving at clinics with weakened immune systems, stunted growth, and other health complications caused by prolonged hunger.

“Every day, we see children who are barely surviving,” said a health worker in Gaza. “Their bodies are wasting away, and without proper food and medical care, many may not survive.”

Aid Restrictions and Blockade Worsen the Crisis

The report emphasizes that Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza are central to the crisis. While some aid is allowed, the amount is far below what is necessary to sustain the population. Families report long queues at aid distribution points, limited rations, and insufficient medical supplies.

Humanitarian observers argue that these restrictions are systematic and deliberate, rather than accidental. The report states that Israel’s policies are undermining the social structure of Palestinian life, preventing families from accessing basic necessities, including food, clean water, and medical care.

Israel’s Response

Israeli officials have repeatedly denied allegations that they are deliberately starving the population. Authorities say that any restrictions on aid are related to security concerns and measures to prevent weapons from entering Gaza.

When asked about the report, Israeli military and foreign ministry officials did not immediately comment. The lack of a direct response has heightened international concern over the situation.

Humanitarian Implications

Experts warn that prolonged starvation and inadequate access to medical care could trigger a full-scale health crisis. Hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to malnourished children, while families face worsening conditions at home.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Doctors warn that malnutrition can lead to long-term developmental issues in children and exacerbate existing health problems among the elderly.

The report describes a campaign that is not just a side effect of conflict but a deliberate effort to weaken Gaza’s population. Families report difficulty finding enough food, accessing medical services, or even obtaining clean water.

International Concerns and Calls for Intervention

Human rights observers are calling for immediate international intervention to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. They stress that food, medical aid, and essential supplies must reach Gaza to prevent further suffering.

“The people of Gaza are living under extreme conditions,” said an observer familiar with the situation. “If aid does not increase immediately, we may see a disaster of historic proportions, with long-term consequences for children and families.”

The accusations come amid a long-standing and highly sensitive conflict. While Israel emphasizes its security measures, human rights organizations insist that the basic rights of civilians, including access to food and healthcare, cannot be ignored.

Background of the Gaza Crisis

Gaza has been under various levels of blockade and conflict for decades, but the current conflict has intensified the humanitarian crisis. Destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and roads, has made life extremely difficult for residents.

Aid deliveries are often delayed or blocked, and essential goods are in short supply. Families are forced to rely on whatever limited resources they can find, while the health system struggles to cope with an increasing number of malnourished patients.

Long-Term Consequences

Prolonged starvation and limited access to medical care can have severe consequences for the population of Gaza. Children may face stunted growth and long-term health issues, while adults struggle to maintain livelihoods amid extreme scarcity.

The report highlights that the effects of these policies go beyond immediate hunger—they disrupt education, employment, and family life, further weakening the social fabric of Gaza.

The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian emergency. Families face daily uncertainty, children suffer from malnutrition, and hospitals are overwhelmed. The report underscores that without urgent intervention, the crisis will continue to escalate, leaving long-lasting damage to the population.

International observers and rights groups continue to call for immediate action, emphasizing that human rights and humanitarian aid must take precedence over military strategies. The world is watching closely as Gaza faces one of its most severe humanitarian crises in decades.