Both the Israeli government and opposition have dismissed a recent UN claim stating there is “hunger” in Gaza. They argue that Israel has provided sufficient aid and that the only individuals currently experiencing hunger are Israeli hostages.
According to Israeli officials, the assertion of “hunger” stemmed from a food security report (IPC), which they swiftly criticized, citing data discrepancies.
Interestingly, the issue gained attention when it was reported on what Israel described as a raid in the densely populated North Gaza Strip, occurring nearly 22 months after the tragic invasion of Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Israel denied these allegations, attributing them to a Ministry of Defense organization that manages activities in the territory, and emphasized that the IPC classification was influenced by biased sources linked to Hamas.
Currently, around 514,000 people in Gaza—almost a quarter of the population—are reported to be experiencing hunger, with projections suggesting this number could reach 641,000 by the end of September.
In a related development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government stood firm in rejecting the claims, though opposition leader Benny Gantz expressed differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gantz took to social media, asserting that, as a former IDF chief and defense minister, he can affirm that Israel has never had a policy of intentionally starving anyone, suggesting the UN has a political agenda.
He also supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has delivered over 130 million meals to Gaza with assistance from American funding, Israeli backing, and private contractors.
Historically, the Israeli government has countered claims of starvation among Palestinians, noting that many of the “starved” children referenced in international reports were actually suffering from other health issues. Netanyahu even hinted at potential legal action against media outlets for such assertions.
There was also notable interaction between UN officials and reporters that seemed to indicate a preference for maintaining a narrative of Palestinian suffering rather than cooperating with Israel on humanitarian efforts.
The UN, interestingly, declined an offer of help from the GHF.
