Background on Key Figures and Context
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by a Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, has left nearly two million Palestinians under siege for over 21 months. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, with severe malnutrition and starvation affecting the population.
Jonathan Whittall, the head of the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Israel, has been a vocal critic of the dire conditions in Gaza. However, Israel recently revoked his residence permit, following his repeated condemnation of the humanitarian situation.
Incidents and Statements
According to the Gaza Civil Defense, 73 Palestinians have died and dozens more have been injured due to Israeli gunfire near food distribution centers in northern and southwestern Gaza. Spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal reported that 93 people were killed by Israeli “occupation forces” while waiting for aid.
The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that one of their convoys carrying food aid entered northern Gaza on Sunday morning and witnessed “thousands of hungry civilians” being shot at. The Israeli military claimed they were firing “warning shots to prevent an immediate threat,” denying the casualty figures provided by Gaza Civil Defense.
Qassem Abou Khater, a resident of Jabalia who was displaced due to fighting and now lives west of Gaza City, described the harrowing scene:
“There were thousands of people gathered, all seeking flour. Tanks fired randomly at us, and Israeli snipers shot like they were hunting wild animals in a forest. We witnessed the death of dozens… It’s heartbreaking to be forced to choose between saving a loved one or bringing food for my family.”
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The Gaza Civil Defense reported an increase in infant mortality due to starvation and severe malnutrition. Ziad Mousleh, a 45-year-old father, expressed his despair: “Our children are dying from hunger and cry out for food. They fall asleep hungry.”
Pope Leon XIV condemned the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza and called for an end to the “indiscriminate use of force” during the Angelus prayer on Sunday.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza? Nearly two million Palestinians are under siege, facing severe malnutrition and starvation due to the ongoing conflict.
- Who is Jonathan Whittall and why is he relevant? Jonathan Whittall is the head of the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Israel. He has been a vocal critic of the dire conditions in Gaza, leading to Israel revoking his residence permit.
- What have been the recent incidents involving Israeli forces and Gazans seeking food aid? Israeli forces have been accused of shooting at starving Gazans near food distribution centers, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The Israeli military claims these were warning shots to prevent threats, while denying the reported casualty figures.
- How have international leaders responded to the situation in Gaza? Pope Leon XIV condemned the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza and called for an end to the “indiscriminate use of force.”
