A shameful silence in the face of Gaza’s starvation

The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has escalated to a critical level. The suffering of the civilian population continues without interruption and the international reaction remains slow.
Many people in Gaza are facing extreme shortages of food, clean water, medicine, electricity and shelter. Families live on very limited amounts of basic food.
Children are dying due to hunger and lack of care. The situation is directly linked to the blockade enforced by Israel, which controls the entry of supplies by land, sea and air.
Israel has maintained strict control over Gaza’s borders for many years. This includes restrictions on goods, people and essential services. Since the beginning of the current military operation, the siege has become tighter.
The destruction of infrastructure, attacks on distribution routes and daily bombardments have made life extremely difficult for the population. Reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification describe millions of people facing catastrophic hunger. These are not isolated cases. The entire population is affected.
Hospitals in Gaza have stopped functioning at full capacity. Many are unable to accept new patients. They lack fuel for generators, medicines and medical equipment. Some hospitals have been damaged or destroyed.
The healthcare system has reached a state of collapse. Ambulances are unable to move freely, and healthcare workers are struggling to treat the wounded. The education system has also been affected. Schools are closed or turned into shelters. The public service system is failing.
Israel continues to defend the siege by saying it is a security measure. However, the result is the restriction of basic rights for two million people. The international community has repeatedly called for humanitarian corridors, but the practical access for aid remains extremely limited. Humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross, UNRWA and WHO have warned of starvation.
Aid convoys are delayed or denied entry. Even when supplies arrive, they are not sufficient to meet the needs.
Aid workers and civilians collecting food have come under attack in several incidents. There have been deaths and injuries near distribution centres.
In some cases, the roads used by humanitarian convoys have been bombed. These events raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law.
The safety of aid workers must be respected and the delivery of food, water and medicine must be guaranteed. Gaza’s roads, warehouses and bakeries are heavily damaged. This affects every part of daily life.
The media continues to publish reports, photos and video coverage of the destruction. But despite strong evidence of large-scale hunger and malnutrition, there has been no official declaration of famine.
Political hesitation plays a role in delaying the use of that term. Governments and institutions are cautious about taking clear positions. This delay in definition results in a delay in action. While discussions continue, children in Gaza continue to die from causes that could be prevented.
The root cause of this humanitarian collapse is the ongoing military siege and blockade carried out by Israel. Without lifting these restrictions, humanitarian aid cannot be effective. Fuel cannot reach hospitals. Food cannot be distributed safely. Water cannot be cleaned or delivered. International institutions must respond with actions that protect civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly. Neutral language and indirect statements are not solving the crisis.
The responsibility of Israel, as the occupying power, is defined in international law. It must ensure access to basic needs for civilians. The use of starvation as a method of war is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.
Blocking the entry of food and medicine, damaging public infrastructure and targeting humanitarian operations are actions that have legal and moral consequences.
The international community must act without delay. Statements of concern are no longer enough. Strong and urgent steps are required. Full and continuous access for humanitarian aid must be demanded.
A complete end to the siege must be achieved. The lives of innocent civilians must be protected through clear pressure on the side that controls the borders and resources.
The Gaza crisis is a direct result of political choices. The suffering of the people is made worse by each delay. This is not a natural disaster. It is a man-made emergency caused by policies, military action and blockade. Children in Gaza are waiting for food, medicine and safety.
The world must recognise who holds the power and who holds the responsibility. Ending the siege is the first step towards saving lives.

The writer is head of proofreading, translation at Oman Observer