Gaza Faces ‘Famine’ As Israel-Hamas Conflict Rages On: ‘People Are Dying Just To Get A Can Of Tuna’

As the situation deteriorates, the international community’s efforts to provide relief are becoming increasingly vital.

What Happened: As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, residents are in a dire struggle for survival, with airdropped food aid becoming a lifeline. South China Morning Post reported on Monday that military planes have been delivering food aid via parachutes to the hungry population amidst a worsening hunger crisis.

With Gaza City in ruins, locals are rushing to collect the aid, often leading to intense scuffles. Mohamad al-Sabaawi, a resident, expressed the direness of the situation.

“People are dying just to get a can of tuna,” he said.

“The situation is tragic as if we are in a famine. What can we do? They mock us by giving us a small can of tuna.”

Despite the efforts, the United Nations has predicted a potential famine in the region by May without significant aid intervention.

The quantity of aid reaching Gaza by land has plummeted, prompting foreign governments like the United States, France, and Jordan to conduct airdrops, especially in the northern parts of Gaza City. However, even the aircrews involved acknowledge the inadequacy of the supplies being delivered.

Complications have arisen with the airdrops, including fatalities and injuries due to malfunctioning parachutes. Meanwhile, there are increasing calls for Israel to allow more overland aid, with Israel pointing fingers at the UN and UNRWA for inadequate distribution within Gaza.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for substantial aid after a visit to the region, drawing a bleak picture of the situation. The ongoing war, triggered by an attack from Hamas, has resulted in thousands of deaths and left the people of Gaza in a state of desperation, reliant on the precarious arrival of food aid from above.

Why It Matters: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, with the United Nations Security Council recently mandating an immediate cease-fire during Ramadan after a five-month deadlock.

Adding to the international pressure, former President Donald Trump has urged Israel to conclude its offensive in Gaza. As detailed in an interview with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. Trump highlighted Israel’s eroding global support and the urgency to “finish up your war.”