Don’t let babies become war casualties
The UN's warning on the state of Gaza on Tuesday—that two million people face starvation and 14,000 babies face death within 48 hours if aid doesn't reach them on time—paints a picture that is not just dire; it is the epitome of distress. These people are being subjected to a war they had no part in making. World leadership has failed to put a stop to this blatant disregard for human lives in a largely one-sided war that has violated all international conventions on armed conflict and human rights. The current situation should have a sobering effect on world leaders, and from recent reports, it seems it has, at least on the surface. However, whether they can capitalise on that and come together to restrain Israel from causing further damage remains to be seen.
According to reports, Israel on Monday allowed humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, which it had blocked for more than two and a half months, letting five aid-carrying trucks through. But this happened not because Israeli leadership decided to uphold human rights; its prime minister explained to supporters that preventing a famine in Gaza was necessary for "diplomatic reasons" as "images of mass starvation" could delegitimise their war efforts. Just a few days ago, however, he launched a fresh military offensive in Gaza—a move Israel's war cabinet approved earlier this month, aimed at "taking control" of the entire strip.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Countries and people worldwide have been criticising Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza since the beginning of its military offensive in retaliation to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. That has made no difference whatsoever, as their concern has never translated into effective action to stop Israel from indiscriminately killing innocent civilians. Israel continues to do as it pleases, having killed more than 53,000 people in over 20 months now.
The lack of empathy in Israel's leadership for the starving residents of Gaza boggles the mind. Its actions, including blocking aids, have drawn widespread condemnation, including from some of its allies. On Monday, the UK, France, and Canada warned of "concrete actions" against the country if it continued its operations in Gaza. But this is nothing new. Countries and people worldwide have been criticising Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza since the beginning of its military offensive in retaliation to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. That has made no difference whatsoever, as their concern has never translated into effective action to stop Israel from indiscriminately killing innocent civilians. The ceasefire deal finalised in January this year fell through in less than two months. Israel continues to do as it pleases, having killed more than 53,000 people in over 20 months now.
Evidently, mere warnings will no longer cut it. The time has come for Israel's friends to force its hand through stern measures. If that means imposing targeted sanctions to make it follow international laws and allow humanitarian efforts in Gaza—without any conditions—then so be it. There is absolutely no time to waste when people, including babies, are starving to death.
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