When Hunger Becomes Weapon of War : Urgent Action Needed to Address Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis

At the Cairo Conference on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, it was emphasized that Gaza has been subjected to a genocidal war for over 14 months, with more than 80% of its infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and essential utilities, destroyed. The situation was described as a “complete war crime” and a failure of international law, urging immediate action to address the ongoing disaster.

The conference highlighted that the dire conditions in Gaza are a result of systematic and deliberate starvation, with the occupation using hunger as a weapon of war. It was pointed out that the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the hindrance of organizations’ work have exacerbated the crisis. The need for the urgent implementation of UN resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolution 2735, to stop the aggression and deliver immediate aid was stressed, paving the way for the restoration of essential services and Gaza’s eventual recovery.

In addition to the humanitarian intervention, the irreplaceable role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinian refugees was emphasized, calling for the rejection of Zionist laws targeting the agency. Gratitude was expressed to Egypt for hosting the conference, and appreciation was extended to international bodies, regional institutions, and relief organizations for their ongoing efforts to deliver aid. The Palestinian government’s commitment to coordinating humanitarian relief and planning for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, including rebuilding the economy and vital infrastructure, was also highlighted.