UN Expert Declares Israel’s Starvation Tactics in Gaza as War Crimes and Genocide
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn significant international attention, with key figures speaking out about the dire situation. The UN special rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, has been vocal about the deliberate campaign of mass starvation orchestrated by Israel. In recent statements, Fakhri emphasized that the current horrors unfolding should not come as a surprise to governments and corporations worldwide.
“Israel has built the most efficient starvation machine you can imagine. So while it’s always shocking to see people being starved, no one should act surprised. All the information has been out in the open since early 2024,” Fakhri informed the Guardian. He further stated, “Israel is starving Gaza. It’s genocide. It’s a crime against humanity. It’s a war crime. I have been repeating it and repeating it and repeating it; I feel like Cassandra,” referencing the Greek mythological figure whose warnings went unheeded.
On October 9, 2023, shortly after initiating military action against Gaza, Israel’s then defense minister, Yoav Gallant, announced a “complete siege” of the region. This declaration included a halt to the supply of essential resources such as electricity, food, water, and fuel. By December 2023, reports indicated that Gazans accounted for 80% of individuals globally experiencing catastrophic hunger, as per UN and international aid agency statistics.
The consequences of this siege are severe. Widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are contributing to a significant rise in hunger-related deaths throughout Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global initiative that monitors hunger and famine, reported that more than 20,000 children had been hospitalized for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July 2024.
In an alert released earlier this week, the IPC warned that the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out” across the Gaza Strip. This alarming situation has prompted Fakhri to call for urgent action to prevent the starvation of 2 million people in the region. “We have never seen a civilian population made to go so hungry so quickly and so completely; that is the consensus among starvation experts,” he stated in an interview with the Guardian on February 28, 2024.
Fakhri emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting, “Intentionally depriving people of food is clearly a war crime. Israel has announced its intention to destroy the Palestinian people, in whole or in part, simply for being Palestinian… this is now a situation of genocide.”
- Key Points from the UN Expert:
- Israel’s actions are described as a systematic approach to starvation.
- Current conditions in Gaza have led to a catastrophic hunger crisis.
- Reports indicate a significant number of children suffering from acute malnutrition.
- Fakhri warns that the worst-case famine scenario is unfolding.
- Statistics Highlighting the Crisis:
- 80% of the world’s population experiencing catastrophic hunger are from Gaza.
- Over 20,000 children hospitalized for acute malnutrition from April to July 2024.
These dire circumstances have raised concerns among humanitarian organizations and international observers. The long-term effects of such a humanitarian crisis could be devastating, not only for the individuals directly affected but also for regional stability and global peace.
In light of these developments, it is essential for the international community to take a stand and address the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The need for immediate humanitarian aid and intervention has never been more critical, as millions face starvation and suffering.
The ongoing situation in Gaza remains a poignant reminder of the need for global cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises. As the world watches, the call to action grows louder, urging governments and organizations to respond to the dire needs of the Gazan population and hold accountable those responsible for these actions.
In conclusion, the warnings from experts like Michael Fakhri are more than just calls for awareness; they are urgent pleas for action to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, are respected. The international community must act decisively to bring relief to those suffering in Gaza and work towards a sustainable solution that prioritizes human rights and dignity for all.
