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Gaza Hunger Deemed Deliberate Strategy by Catholic International Confederation
Table of Contents
- Gaza Hunger Deemed Deliberate Strategy by Catholic International Confederation
- The Deliberate Nature of the Crisis
- Impunity, complicity, and the Destruction of Civilian Life
- An Attack on Human Dignity and International Law
- The Call for Action: ceasefire and Accountability
- Understanding the Gaza Conflict: Background and Trends
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Gaza Crisis
The Catholic International Confederation has strongly condemned the ongoing hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip, labeling it not a natural disaster, but a result of a deliberate strategy. The institution is urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
Keywords: Gaza, Hunger, Humanitarian Crisis, ceasefire, Catholic International Confederation, Israel, Palestine, Starvation, Caritas International
The Deliberate Nature of the Crisis
Following the United Nations’ confirmation on August 22nd that hunger in Gaza is an intentional outcome of the blockade of humanitarian aid, the Catholic International Confederation has issued a scathing denunciation. At least 273 people, including 112 children, have reportedly died of starvation. Caritas Internacional, in a recent statement, echoes the findings of all humanitarian organizations, stating that the situation in Gaza is not a tragic accident, but the result of deliberate and calculated choices
.
The organization asserts that an entire population is being deliberately deprived of sustenance, effectively being left to die. This assessment is based on observations of the systematic obstruction of aid, the targeting of food convoys, and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
Impunity, complicity, and the Destruction of Civilian Life
the Catholic International Confederation’s document argues that the situation transcends customary warfare, characterizing it as the systematic destruction of civil lives
. The siege of Gaza is described as an extermination machine
, enabled by the impunity and silence, or complicity, of the most powerful nations
. The document specifically highlights the deliberate blocking of aid, the bombing of food transports, and the denial of essential goods as evidence of this strategy.Caritas International reports witnessing most children and women being stabbed, bombarded and exterminated
.
An Attack on Human Dignity and International Law
Drawing upon Pope Francis’s message in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti – We are all saved together or no one is saved
– Caritas Internacional views the events in Gaza as a deliberate assault on human dignity and a breakdown of moral order. The organization contends that the actions occurring in Gaza are not only contrary to fundamental human values and principles but also constitute violations of international and humanitarian law, including the convention for the prevention and repression of genocide.
The Call for Action: ceasefire and Accountability
Caritas Internacional is issuing a fervent appeal to individuals of faith and conscience to raise their voices, pressure governments, and demand justice for the people of Gaza. The organization emphasizes that Gaza does not expect words – but salvation
.Specifically, they are calling for:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire
- Unconditional access for humanitarian aid
- The liberation of all hostages
- The deployment of a UN-led Peace Maintenance Force
- International criminal prosecution of those responsible for crimes committed
- An end to the ongoing blockade of Gaza
Understanding the Gaza Conflict: Background and Trends
The current crisis is rooted in decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine, stemming from territorial disputes and political complexities. the blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, leading to economic hardship and a humanitarian crisis. Recent escalations in violence have exacerbated the situation, pushing the region to the brink of catastrophe.Key insights include the increasing reliance of the Gazan population on humanitarian aid,the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure,and the urgent need for a lasting political solution.