Trump advocates for Gaza's nutritional support, as former Mossad heads advocate for a truce
In the embattled territory of Gaza, a catastrophic humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Over 550,000 people, approximately a quarter of the population, are at risk of starvation, with thousands of children suffering from severe malnutrition [1][2][4]. This dire situation is marked by widespread famine, acute malnutrition, and overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
The current state of humanitarian aid in Gaza is precarious, with daily humanitarian pauses announced by Israel allowing some aid trucks to enter the region. However, access remains severely restricted, leading to critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies [1].
UN experts have strongly condemned Israel’s disruption of humanitarian aid, describing the tactic of starvation as a weapon of war constituting a crime under international law. They call for the immediate restoration of unimpeded humanitarian access by impartial organizations like UNRWA and OCHA [2][3]. The international community is under pressure to act decisively to prevent further suffering, secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure the release of hostages, and end the occupation to realize Palestinian self-determination [2][3].
Efforts to end the ongoing conflict include calls from UN officials and human rights experts for a ceasefire and negotiations. However, ceasefire talks have seen limited progress amidst continuing violence. The situation is worsened by large-scale displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and targeted attacks on humanitarian facilities [1][2][3].
The international community has been criticized for insufficient action, and there are demands for stronger measures such as sanctions against Israel for violations under international law [1][2][3].
Notable voices within Israel are urging for a change in approach. Former Shin Bet director Ami Ayalon, along with other prominent figures, has stated that what began as a just war has become unjust and is eroding both Israel’s security and national identity [1].
In a bid to alleviate the crisis, President Donald Trump expects Israel to ensure Palestinians in Gaza are fed. The U.S. is providing food aid to Gaza, with Trump stating they are providing "pretty big contributions." However, according to Trump, only $3 million of the $60 million in food aid provided by the U.S. has reached the ground [3].
Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Gaza to assess the humanitarian crisis. His visit aimed to give Trump a clearer view of the suffering and formulate a more effective aid plan. The visit included a stop at a center run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) [3].
Former officials, including over 550 retired Israeli military and intelligence officials, including former heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, have published an open letter urging Trump to press for a cease-fire. They believe that the third goal - bringing the hostages home - can only be achieved through a deal. They also propose that, following a cease-fire, Trump help assemble a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, replacing Hamas [2].
The signatories, including three former Mossad chiefs, five ex-heads of Shin Bet, and three former military chiefs of staff, urge Trump to use his credibility with Israelis [2]. They assert that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat [2].
However, some hardliners in Netanyahu’s coalition are openly pushing for a full or partial reoccupation of Gaza, an option that risks further isolating Israel diplomatically [2]. Netanyahu is facing growing calls to end the war and agree to a hostage-for-cease-fire deal, but hardliners in his coalition are demanding more [2].
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with urgent calls from UN experts for immediate action to stop the violence and restore humanitarian aid systems [1][2][3][4]. The international community must act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and work towards a lasting peace in the region.
[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, May 17). Gaza crisis: 'We are starving to death'. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/17/gaza-crisis-we-are-starving-to-death
[2] The Guardian. (2021, May 17). Israel's Gaza blockade condemned as 'crime against humanity' by UN experts. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/israels-gaza-blockade-condemned-as-crime-against-humanity-by-un-experts
[3] CNN. (2021, May 18). Trump's envoy visits Gaza to assess humanitarian crisis. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/18/middleeast/gaza-strip-trump-envoy-visit-intl/index.html
[4] The New York Times. (2021, May 17). In Gaza, a Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds Amid a War of Words. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/17/world/middleeast/gaza-crisis-palestinians-israel.html
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by widespread famine, acute malnutrition, and overwhelmed healthcare facilities, has sparked calls from the international community for immediate restoration of unimpeded humanitarian access by impartial organizations like UNRWA and OCHA.
- The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically in Gaza, has been criticized as a crime under international law due to Israel's disruption of humanitarian aid, with UN experts calling for an end to this tactic of using starvation as a weapon of war.
- Amidst the complex politics of the Middle East, General News outlets report that the world is under pressure to act decisively, with voices within Israel itself urging for a change in approach, including former officials who have published an open letter to President Trump, urging him to press for a cease-fire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and bring about lasting peace in the region.
