The UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis as Gaza Faces Forced Starvation

(The Post News)- The United Nations has issued a stark warning that Gaza is facing a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, with its population subjected to forced starvation amid ongoing conflict and restricted access to essential aid. In a recent interview with the BBC, the UN’s humanitarian chief described the situation as a war crime, pointing to the deliberate blocking of food and medical supplies from entering the region.

“It is classified as a war crime,” the official said. “These are issues for the courts to take judgment on, and ultimately for history to judge.” Following nearly three months of a tight Israeli blockade, aid deliveries have been allowed to enter Gaza in limited amounts. However, humanitarian groups have warned that these efforts fall far short of meeting the urgent needs of the population.

At one aid distribution center, 47 people were reportedly injured in a chaotic scene that underscored the desperation on the ground. The crisis worsened after Israel resumed its military offensive, ending a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. Israeli officials said the military pressure was meant to secure the release of 58 remaining hostages, of whom at least 20 are believed to be alive.

The UN has strongly criticized inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli leaders. One Israeli minister suggested that the people of Gaza should feel “totally despairing” and consider relocation, which the UN condemned as an endorsement of forced displacement. “We would expect governments all over the world to stand for international humanitarian law,” the UN representative said. “This language and ultimately this policy must not be enacted.”

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, global leaders have expressed increasing concern. The EU’s top diplomat stated that Israel’s strikes “go beyond what is necessary to fight Hamas.” Germany’s chancellor admitted he “no longer understands” Israel’s objectives, while the UK, France, and Canada have urged Israel to halt military operations and allow aid to flow freely.

The UN has also called out misinformation and the need for accurate communication, after one UN official walked back a claim that 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours if aid was not delivered. While acknowledging the error, the UN stressed the urgency that prompted the original warning. “We knew we had a narrow window to get aid in,” the official said. “And we were desperate to do so.”

The UN further rejected accusations from Israel that Hamas is diverting aid, emphasizing that humanitarian efforts are neutral, impartial, and independent. “We don’t want any of that aid getting to Hamas. Our sole interest is getting it to civilians, as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 54,000 people have been killed, including nearly 4,000 since Israel resumed its offensive.

The UN has warned that unless the international community acts decisively, it may be repeating past mistakes seen in Rwanda, Srebrenica, and Sri Lanka. “The world told us afterward that we didn’t act in time,” the official said. “My call to the Security Council and the world right now is this: Will you act to prevent genocide?”

As the conflict rages on, the UN continues to urge mediation, negotiation, and the unconditional release of hostages, while calling for full respect for international humanitarian law. “The Security Council is divided. That means it’s harder to end conflicts, and wars are lasting longer. We humanitarians are left to deal with the consequences.”