Gaza's fragile lifeline

Over two-thirds of Gaza's population, totaling 1.4 million, face food insecurity due to Israel's criminal militarism. Of these, over 212,000 people are on the verge of famine. Astoundingly, the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report says this is actually an improvement - 1.6 million were considered to be food insecure last year, representing about 77% of the population of the war-torn region. At the same time, experts are warning that completely cutting off aid to Gaza would push the number of people at risk of famine to over 1.9 million. It is only the kindness of strangers that has kept the number down.

Food is arguably the area where Israel's disgusting contempt for even the most basic human rights is most obvious. While some people may be able to relocate to areas with a lower likelihood of being blown up or shot, everyone needs food. Still, the only way to get it for most people is with permission from the Israeli government. Unfortunately, the government uses flimsy evidence to block many aid trucks, and many necessary non-food items - such as water purifiers - are blocked under claims of being dual-use. Reports show, however, that most Israeli security officials are "reasonable" and do allow such "dual use" items through if given due consideration in the form of bribes. No action is taken against such officials when they are busted, suggesting the bribery network runs deep in the military. Unfortunately, Palestinians can't even bribe their way to getting help, because 83% of households have no income.

While there are many stop-gap solutions for the plight of Gazans, the only lasting solution is to end military and settler hostilities and restore aid workers' access to the region, followed by investment in infrastructure and public services. But these things take money, and Israel has no interest in even spending to meet its existing obligations, let alone offering the Gazans reparations for the pain and suffering inflicted upon them just to keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power.