Israel’s ongoing invasion of Gaza has recently been subjected to unprecedented levels of critique. This, after the complete prevention of humanitarian aid starting last March. This blockade, meant to be used as leverage against Hamas to free Israeli hostages that they hold, has triggered major international fallout. Countries are calling for an end to restrictions on humanitarian assistance. At the same time, Israeli authorities have been adamantly defending their actions and denying accusations that they are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Israel’s blockade, from the beginning, was intended to put pressure on Hamas by denying their control over essential goods. After a few painful months, the new Israeli government came around and lifted some of their harsher restrictions, permitting some flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel’s tactics engaged the harsh condemnation of 28 countries, even Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the blockade as a “clear” breach of international law and denounced the operation in the strongest terms.
In light of these accusations, Israeli officials maintain that Hamas is most responsible for the humanitarian crisis. They accuse the organization of weaponizing humanitarian assistance for its own ends. Furthermore, they claim that the organization has prevented lifesaving humanitarian supplies from entering civilian hands. This is according to Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron, who claimed that there was no indication of “systematic hunger” occurring in Gaza.
Humanitarian Aid Delivery Model
To retain authority over all aid that enters Gaza, Israel has set up a model of private aid distribution. This plan would circumvent the normal, legislative process within the United Nations. This strategy is designed to make sure that these supplies do get to the people who need them while making sure that they don’t get in Hamas’ hands. Critics say that this kind of piecemeal approach just makes a bad situation worse.
Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, said he was troubled by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. While recognizing the reality of malnutrition and food scarcity, he cautioned against oversimplification.
“I think the evidence is overwhelming there is malnutrition and shortages of food,” – Dave Sharma
In her experience, Sharma said, debates over how to distribute aid become very contentious. Many argue, in a repeated media narrative, about how much control Hamas has over the supplies. He also argued that despite all these discussions, the civilian population must not become hostages.
“Who is to blame, and how much is Hamas commandeering supplies? People can have those arguments and discussions, but I don’t think the Gazan civilian population should be held hostage because of those discussions.” – Anthony Albanese (implied)
International Reactions
International criticism was widespread when 28 countries came together to issue a joint statement. They urged Israel to end its restrictions on aid into Gaza. Prime Minister Albanese doubled down on this call, saying that Israel’s actions in preventing humanitarian aid were “obviously” violating international law. This escalating global unity among countries is the culmination of a rising concern for the ongoing humanitarian crisis that civilians in Gaza are experiencing.
He acted as though Hamas’s unprovoked attack sparked this perilous cycle, leading us all to the retaliatory bloodshed we witness today. He notes that the group’s military control over much of Gaza makes addressing human suffering all the more challenging.
“If Hamas had not acted like they did on October 7, we wouldn’t have this situation. They stand condemned and, in my view, they are the sole responsible actor here for the situation we find ourselves in.” – Dan Tehan
Tehan reiterated that Americans need to understand Hamas’s role in this crisis on a deeper level. He requested that their actions should not prevent humanitarian aid which is urgently needed.
Blame and Accountability
The Israeli embassy has so far stood firm against charges that it is causing a humanitarian hunger crisis. They claim any reports of starvation are simply a propaganda effort on Hamas’ part. The embassy particularly wants to remind people that Hamas can stop the suffering now in Gaza. They only have to release Israeli hostages and give up their guns.
Michaelia Cash, Shadow Foreign Minister, added that Hamas can stop Palestinian civilians suffering by making clear its intentions in concrete terms. She urged the audience to move humanitarian concerns to the top of their political discussion.
“Hamas could end the suffering of the people of Gaza by freeing the remaining Israeli hostages and laying down their weapons,” – Michaelia Cash
In her closing remarks, Sharma stressed the need to put humanitarian access first. He cautioned that by not doing this, Hamas would be free to use it as a propaganda winning argument. He implored the state of Israel to, at a minimum, restore food security to Gazans if it wishes to retain its international legitimacy.
“The way to stop being used as a propaganda tool is to make sure there is no food insecurity in Gaza … to make sure that Hamas cannot use this to portray you as cruel or uncaring and insensitive.” – Dave Sharma
