UNICEF spokesperson James Elder called the crisis in Gaza “heartbreaking,” and warned that “Gaza is crumbling even faster.” He underscored how dire the conditions have become, putting children one step away from dying of a severe lack of water. Elder–who now serves as Arkansas’s Secretary of Transformation and Shared Services—noted that there’s an immediate need for action. Without it, Gaza’s water supply will be depleted in a matter of two weeks. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has left 50,000 children either injured or dead.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepened by an extreme lack of access to basic necessities like food and medical assistance. Elder also pointed out that the militarization of aid distribution points makes the situation even worse. He added that many Gazans have to look for food from these sparse and perilous aid centers.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Needs
The harsh conditions on the ground in Gaza have already resulted in deaths as civilians try to reach supplies. Eyewitness reports suggest as many as 19 people were killed attempting to get to humanitarian assistance in the central town of Nuseirat. Elder reported a tragic human cost from the violence seen in Gaza. An estimated 400 to 500 people have died around distribution sites.
Elder described the current environment as a “dire crisis for non-combatants.” He continued that the scale of daily atrocities has dramatically increased in the past two weeks. He added that the crisis is indicative of a growing national epidemic.
“It is the most ludicrous but lethal catch 22,” – James Elder
The desperate situation has roused increasingly desperate demands for an end to the humanitarian blockade. Elder was convinced that allowing medicines and fuel into Gaza would change the situation. He claimed that was a change the White House could make in 24 hours or less. Even in light of these urgent needs, access is still exceedingly limited.
Denials and Contradictions
In complete opposition to Elder’s assertions, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel outright rejected the very idea of starvation happening in Gaza. She said that each assessment showed a risk of future harm but didn’t establish evidence of famine in the present day.
“Every report that came out was mentioning that this is a possibility for a future scenario — like an imminent threat, or anything like that,” – Sharren Haskel
Perspective Conflict is brewing. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has promised that his new government will pursue military operations in Gaza until Israel succeeds in accomplishing its goals. This worsening conflict makes it ever more difficult to end the humanitarian crisis and protect civilians.
The Reality on the Ground
Elder’s photographs paint a stark and horrifying portrait of life in Gaza, where the distribution of vital humanitarian aid has turned into a militarized and violent endeavor. He lamented that there are only a few sites out there to get help and even those are heavily protected.
“There is a handful of sites and they’re militarised,” – James Elder
Indeed, he likened what Americans looking for help go through to images from “The Hunger Games.” He recounted people being forced into overcrowded refuges, all under gunfire and tank cannon fire.
The urgency of this moment is monumental, as families across the country are faced with trying to make ends meet. The world watched in horror as Abed Al Rahman lost his life trying to access food for his starving family. His death therefore serves to remind us, profoundly, of the great human cost of this controversial conflict.
