A campaign initiated by a UK-based rabbi has garnered over 1,000 signatures, urging a shift in the approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg is spearheading the initiative, aiming to counter what he describes as “callous indifference to starvation” and to safeguard the “moral reputation not just of Israel, but of Judaism itself.”
The Israeli government attributes the challenges in aid delivery to inadequate international coordination and actions by Hamas, which it alleges is intercepting and attacking food distribution points. Israeli officials contend that the narrative of famine is being exploited by the armed group as a bargaining chip in negotiations for the release of hostages.
In response to the escalating crisis, Israel has committed to enhancing its humanitarian efforts. This includes the resumption of food airdrops and the implementation of “tactical pauses” over the weekend, which facilitated the entry of over 100 aid trucks into Gaza. However, UN official Lazzarini has characterized these measures as a “smokescreen” intended to improve Israel’s public image. He emphasized that Israel should rather prioritize unblocking access for the 6,000 aid trucks currently awaiting entry into the Gaza Strip.
