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Context:

The severe human-made hunger crisis in Gaza is a direct result of policies that effectively use starvation as a weapon of war.

STARVATION AS A WEAPON OF WAR

What does "starvation as a weapon of war" mean?

This phrase means that one side in a conflict intentionally starves the civilian population to achieve its goals. This involves deliberately stopping people from getting things they need to survive, like food, clean water, and medicine.

What are "collective punishment" and "siege warfare"?

Collective Punishment => When a group of people is punished for actions that only some individuals committed.

For example, if a few people in a town commit a crime, and then the entire town is cut off from food and water, that's collective punishment. International law strictly bans this.

Siege Warfare => Old military tactic where an army surrounds a city or area and cuts off all supplies, hoping to force the people inside to surrender due to lack of food, water, and other essentials.

How is this hunger crisis created in Gaza?

Comprehensive Siege and Blockade => Israel imposes tight restrictions on what can enter Gaza, including essential items like food, fuel for bakeries and hospitals, water purification tablets, and medicines.

Organizations like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report that half of Gaza's population faces "catastrophic" levels of hunger.

Systematic Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure => Deliberately destroying things that are vital for people's everyday lives and for producing food.

Farms and Fishing => Farmers' lands, greenhouses, and fishing boats are being targeted, to destroy local food production.
Food and Water Systems => Bakeries, food processing plants, and water desalination facilities are also destroyed. Without fuel and electricity, even the facilities that are still standing can't operate.

Attacks on Humanitarian Corridors and Aid Workers => Aid convoys (trucks carrying food and supplies) and distribution centers are targeted. Risky for aid workers to do their jobs and deliver the help, and also scares away other humanitarian organizations.

What is the IPC Famine Scale?

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a global tool that measures how severe food insecurity is in a country or region.

IPC Phase	Description
Phase 1	Minimal/None: People easily meet their food needs.
Phase 2	Stressed: People have barely enough food but might struggle to afford other basic needs.
Phase 3	Crisis: People face food shortages, needing outside help. Many are malnourished.
Phase 4	Emergency: Widespread and severe food shortages, high malnutrition rates, and increased deaths due to lack of food.
Phase 5	Catastrophe/Famine: Extreme lack of food, widespread starvation, death, and disease. This is the most severe level, indicating a humanitarian disaster.

What international laws are being violated?

Geneva Conventions (1949)

They directly ban "collective punishment" of a civilian population. Starving civilians as a method of warfare is explicitly forbidden.

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Established the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for the most serious international crimes.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute states that "intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival" is a war crime.

How international organizations responded?

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) => Tried to pass resolutions demanding a ceasefire and allowing aid into Gaza. However, USA have used "veto power" to block these resolutions.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) => Highest court of the United Nations, dealing with disputes between countries. South Africa brought a case against Israel at the ICJ, arguing that Israel's actions in Gaza could be seen as genocide.

The court has issued "provisional measures," which are temporary orders asking Israel to prevent acts of genocide and to ensure basic services and humanitarian aid reach Gaza. However, ensuring these orders are followed remains a major challenge.

What is India's stance on the Gaza crisis?

Official Position => Maintain a balanced approach. It supports a "two-state solution," independent states for both Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in peace.

India has condemned terrorism and expressed deep concern over the suffering of civilians.
It has called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the violence.

Humanitarian Action => India has sent aid to the region, including food, medicine, and disaster relief supplies.

What needs to be done to solve this crisis?

Immediate Need => A Sustained Ceasefire, as without stopping the fighting, all other efforts to help people will fail.

Mid-to-Long Term Solutions

Unfettered Humanitarian Access => All land crossings into Gaza must open, and aid must be allowed to enter safely and quickly.

Accountability => Those who violate international laws and commit war crimes must be held responsible through international courts like the ICJ and ICC.

Political Resolution => Global effort for "two-state solution", to address the core issues that cause the conflict.

Must Read Articles:

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Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the long-term geopolitical consequences of a severe human-made hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip for regional stability. 150 words

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The crisis was caused by an almost three-month total blockade on aid entry, limiting essential supplies and leading to severe food insecurity.

Obstacles include Israeli restrictions and delays, and a lack of effective coordination and security for aid movement within the active war zone.

While the WHO and over 100 aid groups describe "mass starvation" and "risk of famine," a formal, widespread famine declaration across the entire Gaza Strip has not been issued by global leaders.