By Matt Underwood All UN Security Council members, except the US, are united in their assessment that the famine unfolding in Gaza is, in fact, a man-made crisis. This is a serious statement, and it carries a lot of weight on the international stage. Essentially, every member, with the exception of the United States, seems to agree that the conditions leading to widespread starvation in Gaza are not the result of natural disasters, but rather, the deliberate actions or inactions of those involved. This consensus points to a grim reality: the suffering of the people in Gaza is, in a significant way, preventable.
The situation on the ground in Gaza is undeniably dire. The destruction of infrastructure, including farmland and greenhouses, is staggering, with the majority of the region’s cropland and animal wealth decimated. This destruction, coupled with the reported blockades that have hampered the delivery of aid, creates an environment where food scarcity is almost inevitable. The impact of this situation has been particularly devastating on children. This has led to a reliance on altered data analysis by the UN to determine the level of famine that is really occurring.
Of course, there is also the issue of food safety. It’s an incredibly difficult task to maintain food safety standards in a war zone. Beyond just the destruction, aid has also been intercepted, reportedly, before it can even be delivered. This further complicates the situation, undermining attempts to provide relief and directly contributing to the crisis.
When we consider what is needed to address the situation, we quickly realize the complexity of the issues. A simple answer might be to free hostages and to remove the Hamas leadership. The fact remains that many believe the actions of Israel are, at the very least, making an already terrible situation worse.
The UN’s credibility is also being questioned, with some suggesting that the organization is biased against Israel and prone to twisting data to fit a certain narrative. These criticisms, whether valid or not, further complicate the issue and fuel distrust. A focus on the actions of the organization, itself, can lead to overlooking the suffering of the people on the ground.
The root of the problem, and the potential solution, are complex. While there is an overwhelming recognition that the suffering is real, there is an equally strong disagreement on how to address it. Some argue that Hamas, as the controlling force in Gaza, bears primary responsibility, while others point to the actions of the state of Israel as the key contributor to the crisis. The US appears to support this assessment.
Regardless of the various viewpoints on which side is more to blame, the consensus within the Security Council, excluding the US, is that the famine is not just an unfortunate consequence of conflict, but a direct result of actions. This implies that the suffering in Gaza could be significantly alleviated if those involved would change course and allow proper aid to flow freely and facilitate the safety of civilians. The urgency of the situation demands immediate action to address the crisis, and the world, by all but one member of the Security Council, is demanding that.