Posted on 08/03/2025 2:42:14 AM PDT by Words Matter
Iran-backed Houthis use hunger as a weapon, blocking aid and deepening suffering for 20 million, while the world’s attention remains focused elsewhere.
(Excerpt) Read more at ynetnews.com ...
Israel faces allegations of downplaying the severity of the famine in Gaza and the impact of its actions on the humanitarian crisis. Critics say Israel is hell-bent on downplaying the situation:
<><>Denials of starvation: Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have stupidly denied that there is starvation in Gaza, despite evidence from international organizations and health reports.
Netanyahu has claimed “there is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza” and that those claims are “a bold-faced lie”. Other officials have also denied hunger exists or blamed Hamas for the situation.
<><>Focus on aid amounts vs. accessibility: Israel has highlighted the amount of aid allowed into Gaza, but critics argue that the issue is not just the volume of aid, but the restrictions on its distribution and safe access by civilians.
A USAID analysis found Israeli military actions directly or indirectly caused loss of aid supplies in some instances.
<><>Discrediting reports and focusing on labels: Some Israeli officials have attempted to downplay the crisis by focusing on the technical definition of “famine” and dismissing reports of starvation as “false warnings” or attempts to discredit Israel.
<><>Criticism of UN agencies: Israel has accused UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, of failing to adequately distribute aid within Gaza and even siding with Hamas. Israel has also taken steps to limit UNRWA’s operations, including banning its international staff from entering Gaza.
<><>Militarized distribution system: The current aid distribution system implemented by Israel, using a group called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has been criticized by Human Rights Watch and others as flawed and militarized, leading to chaotic and deadly conditions at distribution sites.
<><>Human Rights Watch states that Israeli forces have not only deliberately starved Palestinian civilians, but also shot them down as they seek food for their families, constituting war crimes.
However, Israel anxious billions in US tax dollars disappearing, insists that:Hamas “steals aid:” Without any solid ptoof, Israeli officials claim Hamas steals and diverts humanitarian aid, preventing it from reaching civilians.
<><>Actions are aimed at improving aid flow: Israel claims its measures, such as “tactical pauses” and establishing corridors, are intended to improve the humanitarian situation.
Efforts to ensure aid reaches civilians: Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) states it continues to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The overall impact: The situation in Gaza remains dire, with mounting evidence of widespread starvation and malnutrition, particularly among children. International organizations have condemned Israeli restrictions and called for a full-scale humanitarian response, while some Jewish American groups have also voiced concerns about the situation.
Israel is using hunger as a weapon in Gaza.
Reports from numerous humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and human rights groups, such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam, suggest that Israel is indeed using starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the world’s foremost authority on food insecurity, has stated that the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip”.
They point to soaring levels of food insecurity, including a significant portion of the population facing “catastrophic” food shortages, and rising hunger-related deaths, especially among children.
Israeli actions.
These groups argue that Israel’s actions have directly contributed to the current humanitarian crisis by:
<><>Imposing a near-total blockade on Gaza, severely restricting the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.
<><>Creating a dysfunctional and restrictive aid distribution system, leading to bottlenecks at crossings, bureaucratic delays, and arbitrary denials of essential items.
<><>Operating a new militarized aid distribution mechanism (GHF) that is flawed, lacks sufficient capacity, and has reportedly led to mass casualty incidents as civilians attempt to access food.
<><>Continuing military operations that have devastated civilian infrastructure, including agricultural land, bakeries, and water facilities, undermining the ability of Palestinians to produce or access food locally.
In response, Israel has stupidly denied these accusations and argues that the allegations are part of a campaign to delegitimize the rich, high income, world-class exporter, over subsidized country.
Israel maintains that it is working with international partners to ensure aid reaches those in need, according to the American Jewish Committee.
The blocking of humanitarian aid to intentionally cause the destruction of a population can amount to the war crime of starvation.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has classified starvation as a war crime, and South Africa has brought a case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing them of genocide, which includes the act of inflicting on a group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction.
The ICJ has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take action to prevent genocide and allow greater access to humanitarian aid.
Despite these rulings and the escalating humanitarian crisis, the level of aid reaching Gaza remains “far from sufficient.”
International organizations, including the UN, continue to face challenges in accessing and distributing aid safely and effectively.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with mounting concerns about the humanitarian catastrophe and potential famine, while the world’s attention continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict.
Starvation of civilians is prohibited under international humanitarian law and is criminalized by the Rome Statute of the ICC. South Africa filed a case with the ICJ in December 2023, alleging that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide against Palestinians.
Key aspects of the case
Jurisdiction: The ICJ’s jurisdiction in this case is based on the 1948 Genocide Convention, to which both countries are signatories.
South Africa’s arguments: South Africa’s case presents evidence of alleged violations of the Genocide Convention, including mass killings, destruction of infrastructure, displacement of Palestinians, blockade of aid, and statements by Israeli leaders.
Israel’s response: Israel denies the accusations, calling the case “baseless” and stating that its military actions are self-defense against Hamas, adhering to international law. Israel claims to take steps to minimize harm to civilians and facilitate aid.
ICJ rulings: The ICJ has issued several provisional measures, including ordering Israel to take steps to prevent genocidal acts, ensure basic food supplies for Gazans, and potentially halt its offensive in Rafah.
ICC investigation: Separately, the ICC is investigating alleged crimes in the conflict, including starvation, and has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, alleging they intentionally deprived Gaza’s population of essential resources.
Enforcement: ICJ rulings are legally binding but lack enforcement mechanisms, relying on international pressure.
The ICJ case is ongoing.
While Yemen and Israel are both located in the Middle East, they are vastly different in terms of their political systems, economies, and military strength.
Israel is wealthy, high income, major exporter to the world, developed nation with a strong, technologically advanced military, while Yemen is a much poorer, less developed nation with a weak military and ongoing internal conflict.
Geopolitical Context:
Israel: A parliamentary republic with a strong economy, a high level of technological development, and a powerful military. It has a complex relationship with its neighbors, including ongoing conflicts with Palestinian groups and tensions with some Arab nations.
Yemen: A nation in the midst of a civil war, with a weak central government and a complex web of tribal, regional, and international alliances.
Military Strength: Israel:Possesses a large, well-trained, and technologically advanced military, provided by US tax dollars, including a strong air force, navy, and ground forces, according to Global Firepower.
Yemen: The official Yemeni military is significantly smaller and less equipped than Israel’s, and its capabilities are further hampered by the ongoing conflict.
Population:
Israel has a population of roughly 9.5 million, while Yemen’s population is around 34.7 million.
Economy:
Israel has a robust economy, over-compensated with US tax dollars, w/ total control of US policy; while Yemen’s economy is being severely damaged by the ongoing conflict.
International Relations: Israel forces itself on the US insisting it is a US “ally,” while obsessively seeking alliances w/ America’s enemies; Yemen has complex relationships with various regional and international actors.
In essence, while both countries are located in the Middle East, they are at vastly different stages of development and face very different challenges.
According to Wikipedia, Yemen and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, and Yemen is classified as an “enemy state” under Israeli law.
Thanks for posting. The well-fed Gaza & Yemeni overlords should help the subjects grow some food. Absent that, when is the next “feed the world” concert to eliminate famine?
Iranian rockets must have very low nutritional value and are probably hard to digest.
Last night, Mark “All Israel, All the Time” Levin ran through numerous instances where Muslims are killing Christians and other Muslims throughout the world all of which largely goes unreported by the media and uncondemned by the politicians.
“Israel is indeed using starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza.”
The reports are, of course, lying.
Israel realized that TPTB are purposely failing to deliver food to the people. So Israel started to air drop food and supplies directly to the people — then was criticized because dropped supplies might hit people on the head. It seems that if they truly starving they’d take their chances of being hit by Pop Tarts in order to feed their children.
huh?
Israel control in the US is so total, it gets the US Congress to make laws that benefit Israel alone.
This is accomplished without the knowledge and consent of US citizens.
Pro-Israel lobbying groups in the United States, most notably the annoying American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), exert significant influence over the U.S. Congress and policy-making towards Israel without the knowledge and consent of US citizens.
Here are some key ways this influence is exerted:
<><>Direct Lobbying: AIPAC has obsessed dedicated lobbyists on Capitol Hill who engage directly with members of Congress and their staff, advocating for policies that align with Israel’s interests.
<><>Campaign Contributions: These organizations, and their associated Political Action Committees (PACs), provide campaign contributions to candidates who support their cause, helping to elect pro-Israel politicians and potentially influence their voting behavior on Israel-related issues.
<><>Building Relationships: AIPAC cultivates relationships with lawmakers, influencing their positions on Israel-related issues through education, information dissemination, and building a sense of shared purpose.
<><>Mobilization and Public Relations: Pro-Israel groups engage in public relations efforts and grassroots mobilization to raise awareness and support for their agenda among the American public and within Congress.
<><>Focus on Key Policy Points: AIPAC’s stated mission involves advocating for policies that strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, ensuring Israel’s security, combating terrorism, and promoting stability in the region, according to AIPAC.
<><>Organizing Congressional Trips: AIPAC funds trips to Israel for members of Congress, providing them with firsthand experiences and perspectives that can shape their views on the U.S.-Israel relationship and regional issues.
While lobbying is a legal and common practice in American politics, the influence of pro-Israel groups has drawn criticism.
<><>Some critics argue that this paid trip influence can lead to a U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes Israeli interests over broader American interests in the Middle East and beyond. The level of influence and its impact on U.S. policy are subjects of ongoing debate and discussion, according to A News.
Israel is the No. 1 lobbyist-funded travel destination ... - Politico / Oct 30, 2024 — Members of Congress have taken hundreds of AIPAC-funded trips to Israel in the past decade * AIPAC, which calls itself “America’s pro-Israel lobby”
The Role of the Jewish Lobby Toward US Foreign Policy Making Jun 2, 2024 — The conflict, rooted in historical and territorial disputes, has seen recurrent escalations, most recently triggered by Hamas attacks on Israel. The United States provides billion in tax dollars that support vber-rich Israel’s very existence.
AJC (American Jewish Committee)
https://www.ajc.org › news › what-is-israels-reasonable...
Jul 23, 2023 — The Israeli Knesset (Parliament) has passed legislation that would limit the High Court of Israel’s ability to review the “reasonableness”
While there are strong indicators of widespread food insecurity among the general population, information specifically detailing the nutritional status of “those in power” in Yemen is limited.
However, several reports shed light on the challenges faced by ordinary Yemenis living in a poor, uunderprivileged country that are remarkably similar to the starving Gazans in the wealthy Israel, a high income, major exporter to the world:
<><>Food Scarcity and Affordability: The Yemeni economy has been severely damaged by the conflict, resulting in widespread unemployment and a lack of income. Moreover, food prices have significantly increased, making essential food items unaffordable for a large portion of the population.
<><>Malnutrition: Millions of Yemenis, particularly children, suffer from malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. The rates of acute malnutrition among children are alarmingly high, with some areas experiencing particularly severe conditions.
Aid Diversion: There have been instances of aid diversion, with reports of supplies being diverted from those in need.
In conclusion: While there isn’t specific data available on the food security of “those in power” in Yemen, the general situation points to a widespread and severe food crisis affecting the majority of the population as it is in wealthy, high income Israel.
The ongoing conflict has impacted all sectors of Yemeni society, making it highly probable that even “those in positions of authority” face hunger and famine and challenges related to food security.
True dat.
The conflict in Yemen horrible but the British, the Egyptians, the Saudis all got bogged down militarily in Yemen if you look back in history recent and not so recent.
President Trump bombed Yemen for 40 days then announced a ceasefire and victory. Wise move.
Not sure what to make of Yemen one preacher-commentator I listened to in my childhood linked Yemen to Ezekiel 38 in the Bible.
I guess he was trying to say if we go into Yemen Jesus is coming back soon.
You mean over looked by the media.
Dead arab kids only matter when they are killed by the Israelis. The way dead black kids only matter when they’re killed by white people
Israel is using hunger as a weapon in Gaza. This is utter BS. But this is the kind of propaganda that Iran, Qatar, and Hamas pays for. Yesterday’s video of one of the few starving hostages left tells the story. And yet, if Hamas can ‘shame’ the world into rewarding them with a Palestinian State, then it is worth it to them. The UNRWA is a tool of the Palestinians to furnish propaganda for the world to sway attention away from their murderous actions. Hamas must be destroyed if Israel is to survive.
No globalist cares about “genocide” except using it as a blood-libel.
Yemini’s are the scum of the earth.
Israel left vast growing farms in Gaza in 2005 when they voluntarily left Gush Katif. They left the warehouses, infrastructure, equipment, and the ability to ship food to Europe. The Gazans destroyed all of them within two weeks. I was there. I saw this with my own eyes and had friends involved with it at the time. So what you are proposing was tried in an honest way by Israel with ‘magic thinking’ that it would solve the problem. What it did was to make it possible to invade Israel, kill 1200 Israels, torture and burn babies, rape them, etc. So yes, your idea was a good idea, which the Israelis tried and it cost them dearly. Hamas MUST be destroyed totally.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.