Hindering food supplies to Gaza has led to concerns. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, Israel has cut off food supplies to Gaza. The UN World Food Programme says all its food stocks are depleted in Gaza. The cut of food aid corridor by Israel, which resumed its offensive two weeks later after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire deal, has led to food shortages of different sorts. The food blockade — imposed since March 2 —has by this time exacerbated the already fragile markets and food systems in the war-affected Gaza Strip, increasing the possibility of immense suffering for the Gazans.
Various reasons are playing a role in blocking food supplies by Israel. Though Israel says putting pressure on Hamas to release its remaining hostages is the reason for cutting aid supplies, the use of food as a weapon to weaken enemies and the intention to push Gazans elsewhere, a goal that is being pursued by Israel, are also crucial reasons. Notably, Israel has been using food as a tactic from the very beginning of the Gaza war that has so far killed more than 50000, despite criticism from different countries and organizations. But the intention to create pressure to realize the aim of forcing Gazans from the Gaza Strip to elsewhere has probably been playing a pivotal role in the present blockade.
Pertinently saying, food supplies were severely hindered in Gaza in early 2024 too but, because of several reasons including the air-drop of food and lifting blockade, they later became enough to feed Gazans prior to blockading the corridor in March. While air-drop by different countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France helped provide alternative supplies, partial and full lifting of the blockade later increased the supply of food to Gaza. But the breaking of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal — a promising peace deal mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar — has facilitated the cut of food aid this time.
Photo credit: https://edition.cnn.com/.
Hopefully saying, many countries and organizations including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have criticized the blockade. But these are probably not enough to secure food aid and avert a potential famine in Gaza. A relevant aspect is whether cutting the food supply corridor will help realize the goal of Israel. The possibility is low — even if it can satisfy Israel especially in keeping its enemies without food. Notably, the earlier cutting off aid corridor neither changed the attitude of Gazans toward Israel’s strikes nor forced them to leave Gaza. This only led to the suffering of the Gazans and the present blockade will also do so.
Food supplies to Gaza are desired to be unhindered at any circumstances. Food is undesired to be used as a weapon of war. Pertinently saying, any warring party including Israel is obliged under international law to ensure supplies to the affected people during conflicts. But the challenges to the supplies of food need to be addressed. A strong role of the western countries including the United States is vital and will be helpful.
The release of Israeli hostages is obviously desired. But ending Israeli strikes on the Gazans is also crucial. The parties need to end hostilities, release hostages and reach peace. Notably, the broken Gaza peace deal that included the release of hostages and rebuilding Gaza is pertinent and will help but its implementation is vital. Another deal can also be negotiated for peace.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
