Starvation Crisis in Gaza: Causes, Blame, and Urgency for Action

Introduction

In a distressing video shared by CNN, the dire effects of the starvation crisis gripping Gaza are on full display. The video highlights the devastating consequences faced by the people living in the enclave, who are struggling to meet their basic needs due to the lack of food and resources.

Causes of the Crisis

The humanitarian aid organizations are pointing to the Israeli policies as the main cause of the crisis. The blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza has severely limited the flow of goods and resources, making it difficult for the people to access food and other necessities. The blockade has also resulted in high unemployment rates and limited access to healthcare, further exacerbating the situation.

The Blame Game

While the aid organizations are placing the responsibility on Israel, the country's government is shifting the blame to Hamas. Israel argues that the militant group's actions and attacks on their country have forced them to implement the blockade to ensure their safety.

Urgent Need for Action

The distressing video has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action to address the crisis. Humanitarian aid organizations are urging Israel to lift the blockade and allow for the free flow of goods and resources into Gaza. They also stress the importance of finding a long-term solution to end the cycle of poverty and suffering in the enclave.

Conclusion

About the Organizations Mentioned

CNN

**CNN (Cable News Network)** is a pioneering 24-hour cable news channel founded by media mogul Ted Turner and launched on June 1, 1980. It revolutionized television news by providing continuous, live news coverage worldwide, breaking from the traditional scheduled news broadcasts prevalent at the time[1][3][4][5]. CNN's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, where it remains a major hub for news production. **History and Growth:** CNN was born from Ted Turner’s vision to create the first all-news channel, despite skepticism from industry professionals. Starting with a modest team and resources, it grew rapidly, expanding its reach through cable, satellite, and digital platforms. In 1982, CNN introduced CNN2 (later HLN), the first news channel to use a "wheel" schedule, and in 1985 launched CNN International to serve global audiences[1][4][6]. The network gained significant prominence during events like the 1991 Persian Gulf War, offering real-time battlefield coverage that established CNN as a trusted news source[3][6]. CNN’s website, CNN.com, launched in 1995, was among the first major news websites, marking its early embrace of digital news delivery[6]. **Ownership and Business Evolution:** In 1996, CNN became part of Time Warner (later WarnerMedia), and subsequently Warner Bros. Discovery, reflecting its integration into a major media conglomerate[1][2][6]. The network has adapted to changing media landscapes, including cost-cutting measures announced in 2022 but maintaining a commitment to longform and investigative content[1]. **Key Achievements:** CNN is credited with shaping modern journalism through its live, around-the-clock news coverage and global bureaus. It has earned numerous awards for its reporting and has influenced the creation of similar 24-hour news channels. Its notable anchors and correspondents, such as Bernard Shaw and Christiane Amanpour, have contributed to its authoritative reputation[1]

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Israeli Government

The Israeli government is a parliamentary democracy, with the Prime Minister serving as the head of government in a multi-party system[1]. This system ensures a balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) holding significant oversight authority over the government[1]. **History and Function**: The Israeli system has evolved since its establishment in 1948, with key milestones including the adoption of Basic Laws that outline the structure and powers of the government. The government is responsible for executing policies, managing the economy, and ensuring national security[1]. **Key Achievements**: Israel has been a leader in technology and innovation, with its government actively supporting startups and entrepreneurship through various initiatives. The government has also played a crucial role in advancing Israel's position in the global economy, fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts significant foreign investment[9]. **Current Status**: As of 2025, the Israeli government faces challenges related to judicial reform and political polarization. There are ongoing debates about the balance of power between the judiciary and the legislative branch, with some proposed reforms aimed at limiting judicial oversight[5]. Additionally, the government has been involved in controversial policies regarding the West Bank, including efforts to apply Israeli sovereignty over settlements[6]. **Notable Aspects**: The government's structure includes a system of checks and balances, with the Knesset able to exercise oversight through committees and votes of no confidence[1]. Notable figures in the current government include Itamar Ben Gvir, who holds significant influence over national security, and Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees policies related to Israeli settlements[3]. Despite these political challenges, Israel remains a vibrant democracy with strong institutions and a thriving economy[8].

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Hamas

**Hamas** is a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization that functions both as a political party and a militant group, primarily operating in the Gaza Strip, which it has governed since 2007. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin amid the First Intifada, Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and initially had covert Israeli support as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)[3][1]. It combines political governance with an armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, committed to armed resistance against Israel, which it refuses to recognize as a legitimate state[1][3]. Hamas’s political rise culminated in a 2006 electoral victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council, campaigning on anti-corruption and resistance platforms. After violently seizing Gaza from the rival Fatah faction in 2007, Hamas has maintained de facto control there despite international isolation and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt[3]. Its governance has been marked by repeated conflicts with Israel, including major wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the ongoing intense conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise October 2023 attack killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking hostages[1][2][3]. Hamas benefits from regional support, especially from Iran, which supplies funding and weapons, as well as financial and political backing from Turkey and Qatar. These alliances form part of a broader "axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad[2]. Hamas also operates fundraising networks globally, sometimes using charities as fronts to support its military activities[4]. The group is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, which has increased military aid to Israel following recent escalations[2][6]. Despite modifying its 1988 charter in 2017 to soften some language, Hamas continues to reject Israel’s legitimacy and pursues all forms of resistance[1]. Its enduring political

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Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Humanitarian aid organizations are entities dedicated to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining human dignity during crises such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, famines, and displacement. Their core mission involves delivering short-term material and logistic assistance—food, water, shelter, medical care—to vulnerable populations immediately impacted by emergencies[1][2]. These organizations operate globally, often as international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), national relief societies like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, or UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNHCR, and the World Food Programme (WFP)[1][3]. The modern humanitarian aid system emerged chiefly in the mid-20th century, evolving from ancient traditions of charity and wartime conduct principles recorded since Greek, Roman, and Chinese civilizations. The Geneva Conventions and subsequent international humanitarian law codified the principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity that guide aid efforts today[6]. These principles ensure aid is provided without discrimination and respects the dignity of affected populations, with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) playing pivotal roles in conflict zones[3][5]. Humanitarian aid organizations have made key achievements in responding to large-scale crises, including rapid disaster relief, refugee assistance, and health interventions that save millions annually. For example, in 2024, humanitarian actors targeted aid to 188 million vulnerable people across 69 countries, mobilizing approximately $46.4 billion amid growing challenges driven by conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability[1]. Their work not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for longer-term recovery and resilience[2][4]. Today, humanitarian aid organizations continue to innovate through technology and coordination, enhancing logistics, data management, and community engagement to improve efficiency and accountability. They operate under strict humanitarian principles to complement state responsibilities rather than replace them, navigating complex emergencies with a focus on protection and empowerment of affected populations[5]. Their ongoing efforts remain crucial as global humanitarian needs rise, unders

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