Gaza-L-Escalade

Gaza⁣ Declared in Famine ‍as Aid Blockade Continues

The United Nations⁢ officially declared a famine in Gaza on ⁤Friday,⁣ August ⁤22nd, ​attributing the crisis to the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid ​by the Israeli army since‌ the beginning​ of March.

Access to Gaza for international ⁢journalists ⁤remains⁢ severely restricted, hindering autonomous reporting on the escalating​ humanitarian situation. Foreign correspondents who have entered the enclave have done so under the ​supervision ‍of the Israeli Defense Forces (TSAhal), frequently enough⁣ during organized visits focused on ⁢showcasing Hamas​ tunnels and other evidence intended to ‌justify Israeli military operations in the‌ territory, which has endured nearly two years of conflict. This media blockade allows Israeli authorities to control the narrative surrounding the conflict, including‍ denying the existence of⁣ famine and ​justifying ‍military ⁢actions as necessary for the eradication of Hamas, ⁤while together diminishing international attention on the Palestinian enclave.

Following an attack on Nasser Hospital on Monday, philippe lazzarini, head ⁤of the⁢ UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), condemned the incident as‌ an attempt to “silence the last ‍voices​ which ‍denounce the silent ⁢death of children⁢ victims of famine,” and expressed outrage at “the indifference and inaction ‍of the world.” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson ⁣for the United ‌Nations ​High ⁤Commissioner⁣ for Human⁢ Rights, ⁢stated that “the assassination of journalists in Gaza⁣ should shock the world, not by immersing it in amazed silence but by ‍making it act.”

thus far, the United Kingdom is the only nation to publicly react, expressing it ‌was “horrified” and calling for ‍the “protection” of health professionals and journalists. However, these ⁣limited expressions of concern⁣ from Western governments, despite their alliance with Israel, ​have not ‌influenced the policies ⁣of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Instead of‌ responding‍ to calls for de-escalation, Netanyahu has ‍accused leaders who have announced their intention to recognise a Palestinian State at the upcoming⁣ UN General Assembly in September – ⁤including france – of⁣ supporting Hamas and failing to address antisemitism‌ within their own countries.

According to Haaretz, the Israeli goverment is disregarding advice from its own staff.Last week, ‌the Minister of Defense​ approved “Operation​ Gideon II,” a new military operation planned for Gaza City that could last for​ months. Several ‌high-ranking officers had cautioned against the ⁤operation,⁣ citing the risk ‌it poses to Israeli hostages ⁤and recommending the government‌ pursue a partial agreement with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining captives. These recommendations were not heeded.