A UK aid charity has demanded the Government immediately acts “with consequences, not words” as the famine in Gaza continues to kill.
Humanity & Inclusion issued the ultimatum as the world reels in horror at unspeakable acts of suffering inflicted on a starving population unable to flee the Hamas-held enclave.
The charity claims 17,000 children have been killed in Gaza.
In an appeal for immediate action it said: “Famine is closing in. Hospitals lie in ruins. And life-saving aid is stuck at the border.
“This is not just a humanitarian crisis – it’s the systematic erosion of what makes us human.
“Inhumanity is supposed to be a red line. One that should never be crossed.
“But in Gaza, that line has been obliterated – not just by the Israeli Governments’ bombs and blockade, but by the silence of those with the power to stop it.
“The UK Government must act. Not with words, but with consequences. Not someday – but now.
The unequivocal statement comes as the world unites in disgust at the prolonged suffering of innocents caught up in the long-running war between Hamas and Israel.
The UN has warned one million children in the territory are now at risk of acute malnutrition with the catastrophic effects of hunger now extending to Gaza’s entire 2.1 million population.
Israel has been blamed for deliberately stalling the arrival of humanitarian supplies but the US-Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation [GHF] said 87 million meals had been distributed since aid was allowed to enter on May 19.
It added: “Hamas is holding up the ceasefire over who controls food aid. They’re demanding we be removed and the UN put back in charge. Why? Because control of aid means control of Gaza.”
Sharaf Al Faqawi, Humanity & Inclusion’s Area Manager for Gaza told how those trying to save the sick and vulnerable were now themselves falling victim to hunger after collapsing from starvation.
In a chilling dispatch from inside the enclave Sharaf, currently based in Deir Al-Balah after being displaced five times, said: “Just like the over 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, we humanitarian workers are also being starved, displaced and killed. For almost two years now, every single day, we must juggle between surviving this war, caring for ourselves and families, and serving the most vulnerable. Hunger has reached its peak, with children and babies dying of starvation.
“There is no food, clean water, medicine, fuel among other basic needs. Hundreds are being killed at militarised aid distribution sites, it’s a tough choice of dying of hunger or getting killed while trying to get food.
“We cannot fully operate or serve those in need because we lack the necessary aid and equipment due to the Israeli blockade, the relentless bombardment, and forced displacement – but also because we ourselves are growing weak from hunger and malnutrition.
“You can see the impact on their bodies and in their eyes – our staff are becoming dizzy, weak, and drained of energy. Although they remain committed to their mission, they can no longer focus or work as they did before. Many of our activities require physical movement and effort, such as our risk awareness sessions on explosive ordnance and our physical rehabilitation work. The coming days are very critical, if this situation persists, we could see Humanity & Inclusion aid workers collapsing while on duty.”
Yesterday left-wing political commentator Owen Jones praised the Daily Express for its fearless coverage of the humanitarian disaster, singling out our agenda-setting front page which showed a desperate mother clutching her emaciated one-year-old son Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq whose life hangs in the balance under the headline “For Pity’s Sake Stop This now”.
Jones said our bravery in revealing to the world what was happening inside the enclave displayed a “better position on Gaza than the Labour government”.
The total number of deaths in Gaza caused by malnutrition since October 7, 2023 now stands at 113.
The UN said at least 1,054 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while seeking food since May 27, when a new aid method run by the US and GHF started.
As a war of words erupts over who is responsible for the unfolding humanitarian disaster, Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a statement after a visit to the Gaza Strip.
He said: “I received a full and detailed update on the extensive efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza – despite the danger, despite the pain of knowing our hostages are still held in brutal captivity.
“I asked many questions and verified facts. What is absolutely clear is that the true obstacle to humanitarian relief is Hamas. Huge quantities of aid are flowing in – in conjunction with UN and EU efforts agreed by Israel.
“Hamas loots the aid and prevents its proper distribution. All this whilst the GHF distribution is also being procured.
“Let’s be clear: It is the terrorists of Hamas – hijacking aid, and refusing to agree to a hostage release and ceasefire – who are kidnapping the civilian Gaza population and subjecting them to their tragic suffering.
“Israel is adamantly committed to the rules of international humanitarian law. Even in the midst of war, we are doing everything possible to help civilians in need – in keeping with international law, and our Israeli and Jewish values.
“I urge leaders from around the world to look at the facts, to see the reality. The international community must stop playing along with Hamas propaganda, lies, and modern-day blood libels, state firmly the demand for the immediate release of our hostages, and hold Hamas accountable for its crimes against both Israelis and Palestinians.”