In a recent interview with Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University, serious concerns were raised about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Israel has been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war, as its forces continue to severely restrict the delivery of aid, food, and medical supplies to the besieged territory.

De Waal, an expert on famine, emphasized that it is impossible to create a famine by accident. He highlighted the warnings issued by international bodies, including the famine review committee, which stated that Gaza is heading towards a catastrophic situation. Unless active hostilities by the Israeli authorities cease and relief operations are allowed, de Waal warns that famine in Gaza is inevitable.

Gaza's 2.3 million population is currently facing severe levels of hunger, with the risk of famine increasing daily, according to U.N. human rights experts. The situation has been exacerbated by months of indiscriminate bombardment and mass displacement, leading to a dire shortage of essential resources.

De Waal explains that even if the barriers to aid were lifted today, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be halted overnight. Malnutrition, exposure to infectious diseases, and lack of basic necessities such as clean water and shelter have already taken their toll on the population. Consequently, Palestinian children in Gaza are at risk of dying in the thousands due to the slow and relentless nature of the crisis.

The deliberate destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, water systems, and housing, combined with restrictions on trade, employment, and aid, contribute to the alarming deterioration of the situation in Gaza. The intensity and scale of the crisis surpass any similar cases witnessed in recent times.

Furthermore, de Waal emphasizes that intent does not absolve responsibility. Laying out the legal frameworks surrounding the war crime of starvation, he argues that the outcome of the Israeli actions in Gaza, regardless of their intent, is the deliberate creation of conditions that lead to mass starvation and potential genocide. Warned repeatedly about the consequences of their actions, the Israeli government's continued restrictions on aid make it culpable for these crimes.

The United States, the main supporter of Israel, also faces moral complicity and potential legal liability for its unconditional support. If the International Court of Justice finds Israel guilty of genocide or war crimes, the U.S. could be implicated as an accomplice.

As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, the international community must grapple with the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance. Donor countries should reconsider any plans to defund agencies like the UNRWA, which plays a crucial role in delivering aid. The international community must act swiftly to avert a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In parallel, the Horn of Africa and Yemen are experiencing four major food crises simultaneously, with millions of people in dire need of emergency assistance. The cost of food aid is rising while budgets for major agencies like the World Food Programme are being squeezed. These crises require immediate attention and adequate funding to prevent widespread famine.

The international community must recognize the severity of the situation in Gaza and take decisive action to address the growing humanitarian crisis. Failure to act swiftly could have catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza and further tarnish the credibility of those responsible for their plight.