logo
Food situation in Gaza ‘absolutely desperate,' charity warns

Food situation in Gaza ‘absolutely desperate,' charity warns

Arab News22-07-2025
LONDON: Rachael Cummings, the humanitarian director for Save the Children, described the food situation in Gaza as 'absolutely desperate' and 'the worst it has ever been.'
She spoke to Sky News from Deir Al-Balah on Tuesday, a city in central Gaza where Israeli forces launched a bombing campaign this week and where tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter.
'One of my colleagues said to me yesterday: 'We are all walking together towards death'. And this is the situation now for people in Gaza.
'There is no food for their children; it's absolutely desperate here,' she said during the video call.
Markets in the territory are devoid of goods, she added, and people with cash are unable to find bread or vegetables to buy.
'My team have said to me: 'There's nothing in my house to feed my children, my children are crying all day, every day'.'
Cummings' remarks came as the UK, along with 24 other nations, issued a joint statement on Monday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticizing the US-Israeli model of aid distribution. In recent weeks, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed while attempting to obtain food from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial organization supported by the US and Israel.
'The Israeli government's aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity,' the joint statement said.
The 25 countries also called for the 'immediate and unconditional release' of hostages captured by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks. Sources informed Reuters that Israel suspects some hostages taken by the armed group may be located near Deir Al-Balah.
Meanwhile, several humanitarian organizations, including UNRWA and the Norwegian Refugee Council, have also warned that some of their staff are starving due to low food and drinking water supplies in the territory.
Since Sunday, 21 children have died in Gaza due to severe malnutrition and hunger-related complications, amid shortages of food and medical supplies.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy pledged £40 million ($54 million) for humanitarian assistance in Gaza on Tuesday.
Charity staffer Liz Allcock, who works for Medical Aid for Palestinians in Gaza, welcomed the announcement, but told Sky News: 'There have been (similar) statements in the past 21 months and nothing has changed. In fact, things have only got worse. And every time we think it can't get worse, it does.
'Without a reversal of the siege, the lack of supplies, the constant bombardment, the forced displacement, the killing and the militarization of aid, we are going to collapse as a humanitarian response,' she said.
'And this would do a grave injustice to the 2.2 million people we're trying to serve.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Israel's Gaza strategy stirs internal division
Israel's Gaza strategy stirs internal division

Al Arabiya

time9 minutes ago

  • Al Arabiya

Israel's Gaza strategy stirs internal division

In this episode of W News Extra, presented by Leigh-Ann Gerrans, we'll discuss US envoy Steve Witkoff's latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as US President Donald Trump punishes India for their purchase of Russian oil. We also cover the war in Gaza, where Israel's defense minister says the military will carry out any government decisions on Gaza, amid reports of internal disagreements over a full occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Italian Politician's Condemnation Goes Viral: ‘This is Hell on Earth'
Italian Politician's Condemnation Goes Viral: ‘This is Hell on Earth'

Leaders

timean hour ago

  • Leaders

Italian Politician's Condemnation Goes Viral: ‘This is Hell on Earth'

Italian politician Alessandro Di Battista's blistering condemnation of Gaza's humanitarian crisis has gone viral, amplifying global outrage over Israel's blockade and its catastrophic impact on Palestinian children. The former Five Star Movement firebrand delivered the remarks during an appearance on Italian television, framing Gaza as a man-made 'hell' where starvation and drone strikes systematically target civilians. Di Battista's voice cracked with fury as he described Gaza: Di Battista's voice cracked with fury as he described Gaza: 'Today there is no war between armies. Here there is an enormous population that literally dies of hunger.' The Heart-Wrenching Truth The former Member of Parliament's speech struck a chord as he described the heartbreaking situation faced by children in conflict zones. 'Every day hungry children die,' he lamented, illustrating the dire circumstances that many families endure. He vividly depicted the scene: 'Bombs hit them, and drones follow the children in search of a little flour.' This imagery resonated deeply with viewers, prompting widespread discussion and outrage on social media platforms. The politician's words took a haunting turn as he contemplated the concept of hell. 'I don't know if hell exists, Floris,' he said, addressing the show's host. 'If I had to imagine hell, I would think of 2 million people who are dying of hunger and thirst.' His statement underscored the severity of the crisis, particularly for children. '1 million children, with bombs hitting them,' he continued, painting a vivid picture of despair. A Call to Action Di Battista's speech did not shy away from the uncomfortable truths surrounding the situation. He pointed out the stark contrast between abundance and deprivation: 'With trucks full of food, a few hundred meters from where hungry children die.' His frustration was palpable as he criticized the actions of those in power: 'Israeli soldiers don't let them in.' This poignant observation highlighted the barriers that prevent aid from reaching those in desperate need. In closing, Di Battista delivered a powerful statement that resonated with many viewers. ' This is reality. The rest is bullshit,' he declared, dismissing distractions and emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis. His passionate plea for compassion and action sparked a wave of support and solidarity across social media, urging people to confront the harsh realities faced by millions. As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and the need for collective action in the face of suffering. Di Battista's fiery talk not only captured attention but also ignited a conversation about humanity's responsibility to those in need. Short link : Post Views: 7

Israeli Professor Declares: 'Israel Has No Right to Exist'
Israeli Professor Declares: 'Israel Has No Right to Exist'

Leaders

timean hour ago

  • Leaders

Israeli Professor Declares: 'Israel Has No Right to Exist'

A searing interview with Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, an Israeli filmmaker, photographer, and former scholar at University of East London, has ignited global debate after going viral online. The professor delivered stark condemnations of Israel's foundational principles and Zionist ideology, using powerful, unambiguous language directly challenging the state's legitimacy and identity. Israel's Right to Exist Questioned When asked whether Israel has the right to defend itself, Bresheeth-Zabner did not hold back. 'Israel has no right to be there. Israel has no right to exist because its right to existence is based on denying the right of the Palestinians for self-determination,' he stated emphatically. He continued, 'No one has self-determination if they deny it to others.' Bresheeth-Zabner labeled the actions of the Israeli state as genocidal, urging, 'They should go away from Palestine if they don't want to live in peace with the Palestinians.' The conversation shifted to the religious justification some Israelis use for their claims to the land. Bresheeth-Zabner challenged this notion directly. 'If somebody came to your home and said 2,000 years ago a friend of mine promised me this place and now I want it back, I mean, this is nonsense,' he argued. He described those who support Israel's claim to the land as 'self-colonialists' who took Palestine by force. Defining Jewish Identity The interview also touched on the internal divisions within the Jewish community regarding Zionism. Bresheeth-Zabner responded to claims from some Zionists that Jews who support Palestine are not true Jews. 'I think Zionists are not Jews. They behave in a way that Jews never behaved for 2,000 years,' he asserted. He characterized Zionists as 'racist' and 'anti-Semitic,' stating, 'They commit genocide. This is not Jewish. There's nothing Jewish about what they're doing.' Bresheeth-Zabner expressed his disdain for the actions of the Israeli state, saying, 'They should be ashamed. And if they think we're not Jewish, they mean we're not like them. We're not killing people.' He concluded with a powerful statement: 'We will not join them. We will not support them. We will shame them until they will disappear. They are a shame on Judaism. They are a stain on Judaism.' Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner's interview raises critical questions about identity, morality, and the ongoing conflict in the region. His provocative statements challenge both the narrative of Zionism and the broader implications of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. As discussions continue, his words resonate with those advocating for peace and justice in the region. Short link :

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store