Editorial: Using food as a 'weapon' inhumane as Gaza faces mass starvation
Food shortages in Gaza, where fighting between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas continues, has reached a critical state. To stop the tragedy, Israel should immediately enable comprehensive food distribution.
According to Palestinian health authorities, over 100 people have died from starvation. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that a quarter of the population in Gaza is on the brink of starvation.
The cause of this is a blockade by Israel, which has halted the import of food. It is believed that this "starvation tactic" aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.
Following international criticism, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the United States, has begun distribution, but the situation remains far from improved.
International humanitarian law prohibits parties in conflicts from obstructing the distribution of daily commodities to civilians.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern. "I don't know what you would call it other than mass starvation, and it's man-made, and that's very clear," he said. "And this is because of (the) blockade."
It is only natural that the foreign ministers of over 30 countries, including Japan, Britain and France, have condemned Israel, stating that its delivery model "deprives Gazans of human dignity."
Reuters and three other international media outlets said in a joint statement they were "deeply alarmed" that local journalists reporting on damage from the attacks on Gaza are also facing a food crisis, increasingly unable to feed themselves and their families.
In response to international calls for lifting restrictions on the delivery of supplies, Israel has temporarily halted combat and established routes for vehicles carrying food and other goods to pass safely.
While welcoming the decision, a United Nations official stated that large-scale and continuous aid was necessary, and called for the full resumption of supply deliveries.
Tragedies are continuing in connection with distribution. There have been repeated shootings of residents gathering at GHF centers for aid supplies, resulting in over 800 deaths. The Israeli military has denied attacking civilians, stating that it has only issued "warning shots," but as it effectively controls the area, it should be responsible for ensuring safety.
There is little time left to save Gaza residents from hunger. Israel must not use food as a "weapon." The international community needs to step up pressure to avert a humanitarian crisis.
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Japan Today
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