Table of Contents
- 1 The convoys burned
- 2 According to Israel
- 3 Living on adrenaline
- 4 Considering the ethical dilemmas faced by aid organizations operating in a conflict zone, how can we ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations while maintaining neutrality and avoiding political entanglement?
NOS news•today, 07:04
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Mineke Lautenbag
Editor from abroad
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Mineke Lautenbag
Editor from abroad
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening and more Palestinians are going hungry, it emerged this week in a report relationship of the UN agency OCHA. Emergency aid reached its lowest level in a year last month. Before the war, more than 500 trucks entered the Gaza Strip each day, in October this was an average of 37 per day.
Carla Jonkers, head of international emergency aid for the Red Cross, also sees this. “Hunger is definitely increasing, and there is no confidence that enough food is coming into Gaza.
Aid group OCHA warns of a significant increase in the number of households in Central Gaza and in the south with extreme hunger. Laurens den Dulk, humanitarian aid program manager for Cordaid, says nearly half a million Gazans are at the worst and most catastrophic level of food insecurity.
The convoys burned
According to UN estimates, around 70,000 people are still trapped in northern Gaza after Israeli forces launched a new offensive there at the end of October. Aid supplies were barely allowed for a month. OCHA reports that soup kitchens and bakeries have closed their doors due to food shortages, while malnutrition care has also been partially suspended.
The hijacking of aid convoys exacerbates aid shortages. Last week, things went wrong at the southern border crossing of Kerem Shalom, when a group of armed Palestinians shot 98 of 109 trucks while holding drivers at gunpoint.
Phillipe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s UNRWA agency, has been warning for months about increasing insecurity in Gaza. Jonkers from the Red Cross confirms this. “We are surprised that, despite the dire need, things have gone well for so long. Since the beginning of this year, security has worsened, meaning that convoys are being hijacked more more and more often.”
OCHA is talking about organized attacks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, due to the collapse of public order. Looters see their opportunity to sell stolen goods at exorbitant prices in Gaza.
Israel has accused Hamas of stealing aid. Hamas opposes this and says that Israel is pushing for anarchy in Gaza by blocking the supply of aid. Hamas, which has groups responsible for the looting, is said to have set up a special armed unit to prevent new attacks on convoys.
According to Israel
Jonkers emphasizes the need to open more border crossings. “We need a lot more help.” Organizations rely on Israel for this, says Den Dulk. “Israel can decide with which trucks aid supplies enter Gaza.”
Israeli bombings also make it difficult for aid agencies to get food aid to the right place. “The evacuation orders force us to move to other areas, where we have to rebuild a circuit from scratch,” says Jonkers. “And that makes it very difficult to offer help. “
The consequences of extreme hunger are becoming increasingly apparent, Jonkers observes. “Weakening people.” The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza speaks X both children and malnourished adults. OCHA is seeing an increase in children admitted with oedema, swelling in body parts due to retention This is usually a sign of more serious malnutrition.
The serious health problems are also related to lack of fuel. Fuel is needed to run trucks, run bakeries and hospitals, and cook food. Jonkers: “There is a lack of gas for cooking. So you can’t eat rice or pasta.”
Waiting hours for some bread: ‘We are dying of hunger’
The hunger also affects the mental health of Gazans. Jonkers: “That’s a sum: hunger, loss of family members and friends, despair. Mental health is under pressure on many points.”
Living on adrenaline
The local workers of Caritas Jerusalem, with the support of Cordaid, organize activities in the Gaza Strip to give some attention to children, says Den Dulk. “Face painting, music, coloring and drawing will help children to forget the reality for a moment. But these local workers are also victims of the war themselves, they live on adrenaline.”
Allowing food to relieve some of the stress, says Jonkers. “The market has to be flooded so that there is enough food for people to buy, giving them peace of mind.” But the chances of this happening are slim. “The trend is that the situation is growing worse and that it is increasingly difficult to help people,” says Jonkers.
2024-11-23 06:04:00
#Humanitarian #aid #Gaza #lowest #level #year #hunger #worse
Considering the ethical dilemmas faced by aid organizations operating in a conflict zone, how can we ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations while maintaining neutrality and avoiding political entanglement?
This article paints a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the alarming rise in hunger levels. Let’s dissect the article and formulate some thought-provoking open ended questions to spark a meaningful discussion:
## Thematic Sections & Discussion Questions
**1. The Severity of Hunger:**
* The article states that hunger levels in Gaza are at their lowest point in a year. What factors have contributed to this dire situation?
* How does the lack of access to clean water, fuel, and medical treatment exacerbate the effects of hunger in Gaza?
* The article cites cases of edema in children, indicating severe malnutrition. What are the long-term health consequences of such extreme hunger on this vulnerable population?
**2. Accusations and Counter-Accusations:**
* Both OCHA and Hamas accuse each other of hindering the delivery of aid. How can independent organizations verify these accusations and ensure that aid reaches those in need?
* Israel claims that its bombings make it difficult for aid agencies to operate. How can the international community ensure safe passage for aid workers and supplies during active conflict?
* The section about the ICC issuing arrest warrants raises complex legal and moral questions. Should international justice mechanisms intervene in armed conflicts to hold leaders accountable for alleged war crimes? What are the potential implications of such interventions?
**3. Mental Health and Resilience:**
* The article highlights the impact of hunger and loss on the mental health of Gazans. What support systems are in place to address these psychological needs during a humanitarian crisis?
* What are the long-term consequences of trauma and deprivation on children growing up in Gaza?
* Despite the hardships, the article mentions resilience in the face of adversity. Can you share examples of individual and community efforts to cope and find hope in difficult circumstances?
**4. Looking Ahead: Finding Solutions:**
* What are the most pressing short-term needs in Gaza, and how can the international community effectively respond to these needs?
* What are some sustainable solutions to address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, such as poverty, conflict, and limited access to resources?
* What role can diplomacy, international cooperation, and grassroots movements play in bringing about lasting peace and stability in the region?
**5. Ethical Considerations:**
* The article mentions “living on adrenaline” for aid workers. What are the ethical implications of working in high-risk and emotionally demanding environments?
* Should humanitarian aid organizations take a more neutral stance, even when faced with accusations of complicity, to ensure their work continues?
These questions aim to stimulate critical thinking and encourage a nuanced understanding of the complex humanitarian situation in Gaza. Remember, the goal is to generate discussion, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by those affected by conflict and hunger.
