A new crisis unfolding in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip is the deadly Israeli fire accompanying the limited aid distribution. After weeks of a total Israeli blockade of all humanitarian aid, some aid is now being allowed into the territory and distributed there, albeit through a new mechanism bypassing the United Nations.
The US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began distributing aid in late May, but its operations have been marred by chaotic scenes and dozens of deaths. UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the foundation over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that at least 53 people were killed on Tuesday, as they gathered near an aid centre in the city of Khan Yunis hoping to receive flour. These deaths were part of a tally of over 80 deaths in Israeli attacks reported on Tuesday alone.
Gaza’s civil defence agency said another 33 people were killed by Israeli fire yesterday, including 11 who were seeking aid. Overall war death toll since Israel launches its brutal military offensive in Gaza has risen to at least 55,637 people, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The UN has termed Gaza Strip the hungriest place on earth. Gazans face crippling shortages of food and medicines. It is very unfortunate that starving people rush to receive food aid, but only to be met by Israeli bullets. OCHA said on Monday that its partners “continue to warn of the risk of famine in Gaza, amid catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity”.
Since October 2023, the global community hasn’t much gone beyond statements as Gazans die in catastrophic conditions. Any serious attempts to bring about a ceasefire through the United Nations Security Council has been vetoed by the United States.
Qatar has worked from day one to broker a ceasefire, release of all hostages and detainees, and ensure delivery of humanitarian aid at scale. Its efforts have resulted in briefs periods of truce and release of hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians on both sides. This brutal war, however, continues unabated and Gaza’s over two million population continues to suffer.
The world leaders have failed the people of Gaza so far. It is also clear that military actions cannot be a solution to everything and a political solution must be found, a solution under which Palestinians can also live in peace in their own homeland and an independent state.
