|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Arab League representatives held an emergency meeting in Cairo on Tuesday to address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than two million residents are facing starvation and continued military violence. The session was urgently requested by the State of Palestine in light of what it described as an orchestrated famine and the deliberate displacement of civilians.
The Arab Crisis and Alarming Death Toll
The Gaza Strip, already reeling from 21 months of conflict, has now been pushed to the brink of collapse. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), more than 1,000 people have died from hunger since the end of May. The dire situation has been exacerbated by what aid groups describe as disorganized and dangerous aid distribution mechanisms.
Ahmad Abu Holi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), delivered a scathing condemnation during the session.
“Gaza is dying of hunger. Gaza is being prepared for evacuation, a so-called humanitarian city is being built, but it is in truth a new city of death and prison under humanitarian labels,” he warned.
Abu Holi specifically criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has taken a leading role in distributing aid following Israel’s 11-week blockade. He accused the group, allegedly supported by Israel of putting civilians in harm’s way.
“Palestinians are being forced to fall into killing traps, or to die from hunger,” he added.
Deadly Violence Amid Aid Efforts
International organizations have also raised alarms over the security of those seeking humanitarian aid. The UN World Food Programme reported that Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians over the weekend as they waited for food assistance, a tragic incident confirmed by the Gaza Health Ministry, which called it one of the deadliest attacks on aid-seekers since the conflict began.
Arab Solidarity and Global Pressure
Jordan’s representative to the Arab League, Amjad Adaileh, expressed solidarity with Gaza’s suffering population:
“We will not forget Gaza’s steadfastness. Its people are bleeding, suffering, and starving because of brutal and ongoing violations against the Strip for nearly two years,” he said.
The emergency session follows a previous Arab League summit in which 12 member countries agreed to step up pressure on Israel to halt military operations and allow unimpeded humanitarian access. Despite these efforts, aid agencies say conditions on the ground have only worsened.
Accusations of Genocidal Tactics
Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused Israel of deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war, a tactic that could amount to genocide under international law. These claims have intensified calls for international intervention and accountability.
A Region on Edge, A World Under Watch
As the war drags on, the situation in Gaza continues to raise grave concerns across the region and beyond. With over two million people facing imminent famine, and ongoing military activity threatening aid distribution, the Arab League has vowed to increase diplomatic efforts to prevent further suffering.
In his closing remarks, Abu Holi urged the international community not to be misled by sanitized narratives:
“This is not humanitarian support, it is displacement and death in disguise. Gaza must not be forgotten.”
Outlook: A Call for Unified Global Action
Tuesday’s emergency session may mark a turning point in the Arab League’s approach to the crisis, with several member states pushing for coordinated regional and international action. As pressure mounts, the world watches to see whether words will translate into meaningful relief for Gaza’s besieged population.
While political complexities abound, the human toll is undeniable and growing by the day.
Read Also: UN Raises Red Alert Over Looming Famine in Sudan, Gaza, and Other Global Hunger Hotspots
