In a press conference that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the war in Gaza will only end when “the entire Gaza Strip is under Israeli security control.” The statement came as humanitarian organizations sounded the alarm about a looming famine in Gaza, where more than 2 million Palestinians are trapped under a crippling blockade.
Despite limited aid being allowed in over the past few days, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that no distribution of critical food or medical supplies has been possible so far. Hunger is now being used as a weapon of war, according to the UK’s Development Minister Jenny Chapman, who joined growing international criticism of Israel’s siege tactics.
Netanyahu’s “Total Control” Doctrine: Ceasefire Conditional on Dominance
Speaking on May 21, Netanyahu reiterated his hardline stance, stating that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire or full hostage exchange until it achieved complete military and security control over all areas of Gaza.
His comments came after admitting that of the 58 hostages still held by Hamas, only 20 are believed to be alive. The pressure from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to secure their release has mounted, yet Netanyahu appears committed to a strategy of force over negotiation.
He also claimed that privately contracted U.S. firms would soon handle the distribution of aid to prevent what he calls a “humanitarian crisis.” However, humanitarian bodies insist the crisis is not looming—it’s already here.
Starvation Crisis: Gaza on the Brink of Famine
On the ground, the situation in Gaza is dire. The WFP warned that without an immediate increase in safe aid corridors and ceasefire conditions, mass starvation is imminent.
In Gaza City, hundreds of displaced Palestinians were seen lining up outside the Sokar Charity Kitchen for what little food could be handed out—mainly flour and baby food, if available at all.
Antoine Renard of the World Food Programme revealed the Israeli military was only allowing trucks to enter via a route aid groups have deemed unsafe. “Each truck of flour is worth $400,000 on the black market,” he said, warning that armed gangs and starving civilians pose a huge risk in the absence of a proper security framework.
UK and International Backlash: Morally Unjustifiable
The UK has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the military escalation as “morally unjustifiable”, and the British government has paused trade talks with Israel in protest.
Minister Jenny Chapman went further, accusing Israel of using food as a weapon of war, echoing growing sentiment across Europe that the siege of Gaza has crossed every line of human decency.
Gaza Health System Collapsing Under Fire
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued stark warnings. With hospitals in northern Gaza shut down due to relentless airstrikes and ground offensives, including the complete closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital, patients are dying from preventable conditions due to lack of medicine, electricity, and food.
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders, instructing residents in northern Gaza to move south as operations would target “any area from which rockets are launched.” This forced displacement, coupled with severe food shortages, has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s Private Aid Plan: “The Food Should Go to the People, Not the People to the Food”
Israel’s proposal to allow private U.S. companies to distribute aid has also come under fire. Critics say it would force 2.1 million people to travel long distances for food, which is neither safe nor feasible.
“This isn’t a humanitarian solution, it’s a political move,” said WFP’s Renard. Aid groups argue that only the UN and established humanitarian networks can equitably and safely deliver aid to the most affected areas.
The War Continues – At What Human Cost?
As Netanyahu doubles down on his war strategy and international pressure mounts, Gaza is being pushed further into the abyss. With no ceasefire in sight and starvation looming large, the question the world must ask is: How many more must suffer before peace becomes a priority over power?
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