UN accuses Israel of starvation campaign in Gaza

The U.N. independent investigator on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, has accused Israel of implementing a starvation campaign against Palestinians in Gaza, particularly following the outbreak of war after Hamas's surprise attack in October 2022. This military response led to a blockade of essential supplies, including food and water, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. By December, it was reported that 80% of the global population experiencing famine or catastrophic hunger were Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the severity of the situation. Fakhri's report, presented to the U.N. General Assembly, claims that Israel has historically employed various methods to control food access for Palestinians, dating back to its independence in 1948. He noted the destruction of Gaza's food systems, including farmland and fishing resources, which has been corroborated by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. The investigator argues that humanitarian aid has been manipulated as a political tool, further endangering the lives of those in Gaza. In response to these allegations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied any claims of limiting humanitarian aid, asserting that significant amounts of food have been allowed into Gaza since the conflict began. However, reports from the U.N. indicate that the humanitarian situation remains dire, with over a million Palestinians lacking food rations and a significant drop in access to cooked meals due to ongoing military operations and evacuation orders. The U.N. has described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as 'beyond catastrophic,' with critical shortages of food supplies attributed to hostilities and access limitations imposed by Israeli military actions. The situation continues to deteriorate, raising urgent concerns about the well-being of the Palestinian population in the region.