We are deeply alarmed at the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation within Gaza. The United Nations has since named it “the hungriest place on Earth.” The answer, according to Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is a resounding yes. He warned that the whole population of Gaza is at imminent risk of famine. This grim prognosis coincides with a marked increase in violence and renewed hostilities within the territory.
According to Laerke, “It’s the only defined area – a country or defined territory within a country – where you have the entire population at risk of famine.” Truckloads of aid stream into Gaza, overhead footage depicting desperate scenes as residents compete to collect deliveries. This underscores the staggering lack of food security currently plaguing the territory.
This means the international pressure on Israel is growing. Similarly, the United Nations and a growing cohort of European countries are pushing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called on all stakeholders to “have the political courage to do what is needed and agree on an agreement.” Our shared call to action recognizes the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis. It further stresses the need to seek a permanent solution to the unresolved dispute.
As if to punctuate this movement, earlier this week a convoy of tractors from Israeli kibbutzim converged with other tractors and farm equipment on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators fervently insisted upon the release of hostages taken in Gaza. Their appeal underscored the public’s intense desire to see the fate of those taken hostage during this outbreak of violence.
At the same time, Israeli airstrikes were hitting sites in western Syria, killing at least one civilian according to reports. Israeli military sources corroborated these operations, which were conceived to neutralize what Israel claimed were imminent threats to its borders. Syria’s state media reported Israeli airstrikes on locations near the village of Zama in Latakia province.
The conflict has spread to southern Lebanon, where at least one person was killed by Israeli airstrikes. These military actions reflect Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate perceived threats from various fronts while facing condemnation from international observers.
Daniel Meron, Israel’s UN ambassador, pushed back against accusations from the UN body about their reporting on Israel’s response to the crisis. He lamented that they do everything in their power not to become obsolete. In doing so, they undermine the praiseworthy attempts of Israel and its partners to bring humanitarian assistance to civilians. UN fuels [Hamas], we ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to broker peace continue. French President Emmanuel Macron went even further, insisting that the time had come to recognize a Palestinian state. It is indeed a moral imperative but also a political imperative, as he said. His remarks resonated with the growing international calls to see a more concerted effort to achieve a sustainable, lasting resolution to the conflict.
That’s why the recent meeting between the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates is so important. They joined forces with Palestinian Authority officials to address the crisis head on. These conversations are a testament to the regional leaders’ determination to continue moving forward in a collaborative and innovative way despite all the chaos.
US negotiators deserve credit for tabling an audacious proposal for a 60-day pause in fighting. This pause is contingent on the success of robust negotiations focused on establishing a long-term ceasefire. This proposal includes guarantees that Israel will not reengage in fighting after hostages are released.
During his administration, former President Donald Trump announced that negotiators were close to a deal on Gaza. He is hopeful more detailed information will be forthcoming soon. For example, he said the positive atmosphere surrounding negotiations with Iran over its nuclear capability. He suggested that these kinds of conversations might have ripple effects for the entire region.
Fighting continues to be fierce, and humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing. The international community is equally watching and waiting for any movement that portends the opportunity for a ceasefire, however brief, to improve conditions for the people of Gaza.