Gaza is on the brink of a severe humanitarian crisis. Alarming new reports indicate that at least 1,373 people have died in or close to focal points between May 22 and July 31. To date, the Israeli government has drastically restricted United Nations distribution sites to a mere four aid distribution points. This limitation affects approximately two million people, with three of the sites found entirely within southern Gaza. This unexpected turn of events has sparked grave fears about access to food and other humanitarian assistance for civilians caught in the conflict.
Today, the United Nations and the Gaza health ministry shared some even more appalling news. More than one hundred people have already succumbed to famine-related causes across the region. Against this backdrop, the southern city of Rafah previously hosted 270,000 Palestinians. Until recently, it had crumbled and cracked into near-impassibility, a bitter irony that only added to the terrible situation. His comments come as humanitarian shipments from Jordan have been reported to be running at under 10% of their capacity. This severe limitation is due to the deeply damaging restrictions imposed by Israel.
In another tragic incident, a 20-month-old Palestinian boy, Ayman Muhammad Abd al-Ghafur succumbed to the effects of inhaling toxic gas. He was in the throes of extreme malnutrition and its cascade of side effects. His family grieved as they saw his body being removed from Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. This heart-wrenching moment underscored the devastating humanitarian impact that awaited Gaza.
Humanitarian efforts face tremendous obstacles. With safety routes through Egypt and Israel precarious, the UN’s fleet of trucks are consistently coming under attack while trying to deliver aid. Currently, 2,200 container loads of food are stuck at the Israeli port of Ashdod. This food would feed the entire population of Gaza for over three weeks, but excessive security checks are behind the hold ups. On top of this, each truck is now charged a new $400 customs processing fee, further adding to the burdens already heaped on aid organizations. If a truck fails to pass the electronic screening process, it must pay the fee again. This would enable it to catch up and connect to a subsequent convoy.
To make matters worse, the situation has been compounded by changes to aid rules in recent months. This ban has caused enormous havoc, preventing entry of items that are extremely basic, such as peanut butter, honey, and dates. Now, whole trucks are being denied entry if they contain even one of the restricted items. Malnourished mothers, many with limited mobility, often have trouble accessing distribution points. Now, they can barely move their children and carry large food boxes when they return.
The last two Democratic Senators in favor of Gaza are Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley. So, they blame the country for following a purposeful plan to ethnically cleanse the indigenous people in the country. Most importantly, they accuse the United States government of complicity in today’s crisis. They cite the funding of Israel’s indiscriminate military campaigns as proof.
“The Netanyahu government has gone far beyond targeting Hamas to imposing collective punishment on all the people of Gaza,” – Chris Van Hollen
As the senators noted, strong words aren’t enough. Real accountability has to be levied against those carrying out these policies. They have released a report titled “The Netanyahu Government Is Implementing a Plan to Ethnically Cleanse Gaza of Palestinians,” which outlines their position on the matter.
“Strong words alone will not be sufficient. The world must impose penalties and costs on those carrying out this plan,” – report
Senator Van Hollen made clear that it is U.S. taxpayer dollars that support these operations. This implicates America in the increasing suffering and isolation that Palestinians are experiencing.
“We, the United States, are complicit in all of this,” – Chris Van Hollen
He further highlighted that the destruction of homes and deprivation of essential resources are systematic strategies employed against the Palestinian population.
“One is to destroy homes so that they cannot be returned to… That second strategy is to deprive Palestinians of essentials to live: food, water, medicine,” – Jeff Merkley
In doing so, the senators are sounding the alarm on a truly alarming trend. They have dubbed it the worst humanitarian crisis that we’ve experienced in recent history. As such, they state that the international community has a moral and legal duty to stop the subsequent ethnic cleansing occurring in Gaza.
“The world has a moral and legal obligation to stop the ongoing ethnic cleansing,” – report