We write with urgent concern about the spreading starvation in Gaza and the Israeli government’s plan to concentrate civilians in a so-called “humanitarian city.” As human beings and as economists and scientists, we call for an immediate halt to any policy that intensifies widespread starvation.
Clearly Hamas should be held responsible for the October 7 atrocities and the holding of hostages. However, that does not absolve the Israeli government, which controls the flow and distribution of aid, of responsibility.
In recent weeks, the UN World Food Program has warned that nearly one-third of the enclave’s 2.1 million residents have endured multiple days without food. Widespread hunger is evidenced by insufficient aid deliveries, firsthand reports from Gazans, and soaring food prices. Not only the UN but also the market hints at starvation: Market prices of basic food in Gaza are now 10 times higher compared to their prices just 3 months ago.
The collapse of UN aid distribution and its substitution by the handful of Israeli-coordinated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid sites have led to deadly chaos: crowds stampede for scarce rations, with over a thousand killed or wounded in the scramble for sustenance. In response to international outcry the Israeli government has allowed in more aid since July 26th but insufficiently so and the health situation remains dire.
Retombées catastrophiques
Furthermore, under the guise of relief, the proposed “humanitarian city” would relocate hundreds of thousands of Gazans into a confined zone, stripping them of freedom of movement and basic dignity. It is unconscionable for Israel to treat civilians as liabilities to be contained rather than as human beings entitled to livable conditions.
De plus, sous couvert de secours, le projet de « ville humanitaire » relogerait des centaines de milliers de Gazaouis dans une zone confinée, les privant de liberté de mouvement et de dignité fondamentale. Il est inconcevable qu’Israël traite des civils comme des fardeaux à contenir plutôt que comme des êtres humains ayant droit à des conditions de vie décentes.
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