The International Rescue Committee’s Bob Kitchen has recently shed light on the dire situation in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict and aid restrictions imposed by Israel have resulted in a severe hunger crisis. In his eye-opening interview with The Intercept, Kitchen reveals the harsh reality of the situation and how it is purely manmade.
Gaza, a small strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has been under a blockade by Israel since 2007. This blockade has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, including food and medical supplies, in and out of Gaza. As a result, the people of Gaza have been living in a state of constant struggle, with limited access to basic necessities.
According to Kitchen, the situation in Gaza is not a result of a food shortage, but rather a result of Israel’s deliberate actions. The Israeli government has imposed strict restrictions on the import of goods, including food, into Gaza. This has led to a shortage of essential items and a rise in prices, making it difficult for the people of Gaza to afford even the most basic food items.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The frequent bombings and destruction of infrastructure have left many families homeless and without a source of income. This has forced them to rely on aid and assistance from organizations like the International Rescue Committee.
Kitchen, who has been working in Gaza for over a decade, has witnessed the devastating effects of the conflict and the blockade on the people of Gaza. He describes the situation as a “purely manmade famine” and emphasizes that it is not a natural disaster but a result of deliberate actions by the Israeli government.
The restrictions imposed by Israel have also affected the agricultural sector in Gaza, which was once a major source of livelihood for the people. The Israeli government has restricted access to farmlands and fishing zones, making it difficult for farmers and fishermen to earn a living. This has not only resulted in a decline in food production but has also led to a loss of jobs and income for many families.
The consequences of the hunger crisis in Gaza are devastating. According to the United Nations, over 70% of the population in Gaza is food insecure, and over 50% of the population is unemployed. Children are the most vulnerable in this situation, with over 300,000 children in Gaza suffering from malnutrition.
The International Rescue Committee, along with other aid organizations, has been working tirelessly to provide assistance to the people of Gaza. However, the restrictions imposed by Israel have made it challenging to deliver aid and reach those in need. Kitchen emphasizes the need for the international community to take action and put pressure on Israel to lift the blockade and allow for the free movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and action. The people of Gaza are not asking for handouts; they are asking for their basic human rights to be respected. The international community must come together to address this issue and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
In conclusion, the hunger crisis in Gaza is not a result of a food shortage, but a result of Israel’s deliberate actions. The blockade and restrictions imposed by Israel have created a manmade famine, leaving the people of Gaza in a state of constant struggle. It is time for the international community to take a stand and demand an end to the suffering of the people of Gaza. As Kitchen aptly puts it, “We need to see the blockade lifted, and we need to see the people of Gaza given the opportunity to live a normal life.”
