It is starvation, or rather man-made starvation

This is how the United Nations offices have indicated that what is happening in Gaza is a nonpareil humanitarian catastrophe in history. It is man-made starvation that is neither caused by nature, climate change, nor a natural shortage of resources. It is rather a tragedy caused by callous human decisions. Humans are capable of committing homicides, forcible displacement, demolishing homes, and besieging people. Nowadays, they are also capable of starving children, women, the elderly, and men or rather an entire people.

Starvation in Gaza is no longer merely a slogan on media outlets as it has become an official reality. For three years, the world has been watching this violence, killing, and destruction, however what is really painful is viewing children screaming, while being without food or anyone to save them! Starvation strips humans of strength and keeps the door open to disease and infection, at a time when the catastrophe is associated with a shortage of medicine and food. It is flagrant homicide being committed before the eyes of the entire world.

The United Nations has clearly announced, with its laws and standards, that what is happening in Gaza is an Israeli occupation-made starvation, and that it bears direct responsibility for depriving the population of their right to food and medical care. Thus, is there ample time left to talk about the "human rights" being upheld by the United Nations? Or rather has the occupation authorities scuttled every aspect of human rights, which is not only confined to the right to freedom, dignity, justice, and independence, but rather to the most basic rights, namely food and water.

The honorable Jordanian aid--presented by the Arab Army and the Royal Jordanian Air Force under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein-- is a courageous humanitarian initiative designed to break the siege and to deliver food to the afflicted and hungry people.

However, this Jordanian endeavor needs exigent international support and assistance, free from procrastination, hesitation, and futile debates about the effectiveness of this aid. At a time when some sides—known for their analyses and criticism—are preoccupied with directing accusations towards  Jordan as if it commits a mistake by dispatching aid, Jordan continues its assiduous humanitarian mission by turning a deaf ear to these voices, which are worthless compared to the enormity of the tragedy.

For his part, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Palestine and Ukraine, stressing that genuine peace is a blessing from God, and not a fruit of humanitarian endeavors or ad hoc diplomatic meetings. His Holiness preempted the UN declaration with a humanitarian scream on July 27, saying, "I am following with great concern the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the civilian population is suffering from severe hunger and remains exposed to violence and death."

In conclusion, we may not be able to solve the Gaza tragedy on our own, but the vivid truth is that the radical solution to starvation can only be achieved through a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. Gaza, has persevered, remained steadfast, and refused to give up, yet its patience and its fragile people were worn out by homicide, wounding, and forcible displacement at a time when it is being deliberately starved before the eyes of the world.

 We plead to God to silence the sound of war so that aid may reach those in need immediately, and that the international community may act exigently to find a comprehensive, just, and final solution.

This is not simply a matter of handling an ephemeral humanitarian crisis, but rather a necessity to restore life to the Holy Land and to all its inhabitants, Muslims and Christians, so that they may not be forced to emigrate, but rather to be a living sign of this land, where prophets and messengers lived, and which continues to be the mother of a strong and vibrant people, while proving to the world that life still beats in their veins despite all the tragedies.

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