Amnesty International on Monday accused Israel of pursuing a “deliberate policy” of starvation in Gaza, as the United Nations and aid agencies warned the territory is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
The human rights organization released a report detailing the dire situation in Gaza, where two million Palestinians are living under a crippling Israeli blockade. The report, titled “The Gaza Strip: Life under blockade”, paints a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by the people of Gaza.
According to the report, the blockade has severely restricted the movement of goods and people, leading to a sharp decline in the economy and leaving many families struggling to afford basic necessities. The unemployment rate in Gaza has skyrocketed to a staggering 50%, making it one of the highest in the world. This has resulted in widespread poverty and food insecurity, with over 70% of the population relying on humanitarian aid to survive.
Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director, Philip Luther, stated that “the Israeli authorities have effectively caged in two million people in Gaza and are depriving them of their most basic rights.” He further added that “the deliberate policy of imposing severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods has resulted in a man-made humanitarian disaster.”
The report also highlights the impact of the blockade on the healthcare system in Gaza. Hospitals and medical facilities are struggling to cope with the high demand for services, as medical supplies and equipment are either unavailable or in short supply due to the blockade. This has resulted in a dire situation where patients are unable to receive proper medical treatment, leading to unnecessary suffering and even death.
The United Nations and other aid agencies have also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza. They have warned that the territory is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis and have called on the international community to take immediate action.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, stated that “the situation in Gaza is unsustainable and must be addressed urgently.” He further added that “the people of Gaza cannot be left to suffer in silence, and the international community must act now to end their plight.”
The blockade on Gaza has been in place for over a decade, with devastating consequences for its residents. It has not only restricted the movement of goods and people but has also severely limited access to essential services such as electricity and clean water. This has had a profound impact on the daily lives of Palestinians, especially women and children who are the most vulnerable in this situation.
Amnesty International has called on the Israeli authorities to immediately lift the blockade and allow for the free movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. They have also urged the international community to take concrete steps to pressure Israel to end its policy of collective punishment on the people of Gaza.
It is imperative that the international community takes action to address the dire situation in Gaza. The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity and without fear of starvation or a lack of access to essential services. The world cannot turn a blind eye to this man-made humanitarian crisis any longer.
In conclusion, the report released by Amnesty International sheds light on the harsh reality faced by the people of Gaza. It is time for the international community to take a stand and demand an end to the blockade on Gaza. The lives of two million Palestinians are at stake, and it is our moral duty to act now before it’s too late. Let us come together and make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering in Gaza.
