Israeli protesters march with sacks of flour in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to Gaza starvation and forced displacement.
Israeli activists marched through Tel Aviv on Tuesday to protest against “weaponisation of food” in Gaza, amid growing international concern over famine in the territory.
The demonstrators, carrying sacks of flour and placards with messages such as “Starvation is a war crime; we are all responsible”, rallied at HaBima Square before heading towards the Defence Ministry headquarters.
The protest comes as humanitarian agencies warn of a catastrophic food crisis in Gaza, where the United Nations has accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid, calling the act a violation of international law.
UN agencies and medical reports indicate that dozens of children have died of starvation and malnutrition, with at least 21 deaths recorded in the past 72 hours alone. Hospitals such as Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and Nasser Hospital are overwhelmed, operating at more than 250 per cent capacity, and struggling without supplies.
According to humanitarian groups, 900,000 children are experiencing hunger, and 70,000 have reached severe malnutrition. Aid convoys remain stalled outside Gaza, despite reports that enough food to sustain the population for three months is available.
“Gaza has entered a critical phase, with widespread fatalities from famine now imminent, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly,” said the Director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society.
Israeli airstrikes have also continued. On Tuesday alone, 45 Palestinians were killed, including civilians hit near the Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Gaza City and displaced families shelled at Al-Shati refugee camp.
The Arab League Council has called for urgent UN intervention, while Palestinian professional unions have appealed to international bodies to mobilise against what they describe as a “systematic starvation policy.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says conditions in Gaza have reached “unprecedented levels,” with over 2.1 million people at risk of starvation amid ongoing blockade and airstrikes.
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