World at Odds with Netanyahu
In the heart of the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, marking a dark chapter in the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas that started in October 2023. Over 1.9 million Palestinians are grappling with severe shortages of food, medical supplies, clean water, and shelter, with nearly one in three people going days without food and hospitals overwhelmed by malnutrition cases, particularly among children.
Jack Engelhard, the author of renowned novels such as "Indecent Proposal" and "Compulsive," regularly pens a column for Arutz Sheva, offering his insights on this unfolding crisis.
Israel's blockade, implemented for security reasons, has severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, leading to millions of dollars' worth of aid supplies stranded in warehouses outside Gaza and preventing many major international NGOs from operating effectively. The new registration system for aid organizations has further obstructed established humanitarian groups, exacerbating the crisis.
The international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and many Western countries, has called on Israel to lift restrictions on aid deliveries and allow safe, large-scale humanitarian access. A joint statement by 27 nations urged Israel to authorize all international NGO aid shipments and use all crossings for aid to enter Gaza unhindered.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres described Gaza’s situation as an "epic humanitarian catastrophe" and warned of imminent starvation and death. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate ceasefire and a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that ongoing violence and restricted aid access have created a “dystopian landscape” in Gaza.
Humanitarian groups like the International Rescue Committee and Médecins Sans Frontières continue to deliver aid where possible but face increasing obstacles due to the Israeli blockade and bureaucratic barriers. The mode of aid distribution imposed on Gaza has also been criticized for being ineffective and unsafe, raising concerns about forced displacement and exclusion of vulnerable populations during aid delivery.
Amidst this crisis, Israeli leaders like Prime Minister Netanyahu are facing an avalanche of condemnation from the international community. Netanyahu's plan to re-make Gaza, aiming for "victory at all costs," has been met with harsh criticism. Some, like Smotrich, believe the plan is not thorough enough.
However, it's essential to remember that every Israeli suffers from this crisis, directly or indirectly. Prior to October 7, 2023, Israel was ranked as the fifth happiest country in the world. Now, many Israelis are reservists, including mothers and grandmothers, preparing for the challenges ahead.
The media, both domestic and international, is focusing heavily on the situation in Gaza, with many networks eager to criticize Netanyahu and Israel with harsh words and images. Yet, the humanitarian crisis facing Israel is being overlooked, with Jewish pain and suffering not given the attention they deserve in headlines.
Even as body bags start piling up, support for Netanyahu remains, with only Trump currently standing with him. However, as the situation escalates, this support may soften. Some suggest comparing the situation to the bombing of Dresden, a comparison that underscores the gravity of the crisis.
In the midst of this, Jack Engelhard, a writer without peer and the conscience of us all, offers his thoughts and reflections in his new book, "Writings," a collection of his op-eds. Engelhard's words serve as a reminder of the humanity at the heart of this conflict, a humanity that must not be forgotten amidst the chaos and violence.
- The politically charged crisis in Gaza, characterized by war-and-conflicts and general-news, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres describing the situation as an "epic humanitarian catastrophe."
- Amidst the media's focus on the situation in Gaza, there is a need for more coverage of the humanitarian crisis facing Israel, as every Israeli, directly or indirectly, is affected by this conflict, a reminder that humanity lies at the heart of this Middle Eastern instability.
