Israel's Responsibility for Food Crisis in Gaza Is Unfounded, Argues Washington Post Commentary
In a recent op-ed published by The Washington Post, Marc A. Thiessen argues that Israel's provision of food to the people of Gaza is a significant and unprecedented act during an ongoing conflict.
Thiessen highlights the efforts made by Israel, stating that since the war began, the country has facilitated the delivery of almost 1.9 million tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza by land, sea, and air. He cites the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has delivered over 108 million meals since May 26, with a single day's delivery on August 5 reaching nearly 1.83 million meals – enough to feed almost the entire Gazan population.
However, Thiessen's claims are not without controversy. Critics argue that these figures are misleading or false, pointing out that Israel has imposed strict restrictions on aid to Gaza, leading to widespread starvation and suffering among Gazans. They contend that the 108 million meals figure comes directly from the GHF, which they view as unreliable or biased, and that Israel’s restrictions make the aid insufficient for the entire population's needs.
Despite these criticisms, Thiessen maintains his stance, comparing Israel's actions to the U.S. not feeding Germany and Japan during World War II, but instead forcing their armies to surrender before feeding their populations. He suggests that Hamas continues to fight despite the suffering of the people in Gaza because it prioritizes its strategy of survival.
Thiessen's op-ed concludes by stating that blaming Israel for the situation in Gaza, rather than Hamas, requires a high level of moral blindness. This controversial piece has sparked a heated debate, with readers expressing varied opinions on the issue.
References: 1. Critics Dispute Thiessen's Claims About Israel's Aid to Gaza 2. Thiessen: Hunger in Gaza has many authors, but Israel isn't one of them
The ongoing debate surrounding war-and-conflicts in Gaza, as highlighted by Marc A. Thiessen's op-ed, is deeply intertwined with politics and general news. Thiessen's piece, titled "Thiessen: Hunger in Gaza has many authors, but Israel isn't one of them," notes Israel's humanitarian efforts, such as the delivery of over 108 million meals, yet faces criticisms claiming these figures are misleading or false due to Israel's restrictions on aid, as suggested in articles like "Critics Dispute Thiessen's Claims About Israel's Aid to Gaza."
