Protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv and New York recently, calling for an end to Israeli military operations and what they describe as a “starvation policy” in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict and Israel’s blockade have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, at least 115 people have died due to famine and malnutrition amid a near-total lack of food, water, and medicine.
In Tel Aviv, demonstrators carried flour bags and pictures of malnourished Gazan children. They held signs reading “Starvation is a war crime” and “We are all responsible. It’s being done in our name.”
A male protester told China Media Group (CMG) that people gathered to protest the severe humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza and the Israeli government’s policies. He noted that international agencies have repeatedly warned that famine in Gaza is worsening. “Gazans are indeed starving,” he said, adding that protesters are calling for the lifting of the blockade, allowing humanitarian aid to enter, and an end to the ongoing conflict—a disaster for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In New York, protesters not only called for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict but also denounced continued U.S. support for Israel. Holding signs reading “Stop starving Gaza” and “End all U.S. aid to Israel,” demonstrators accused the U.S. government of being an accomplice in the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
“So we gathered here today to demand the siege be immediately lifted,” a female protester said. Another woman added, “We refuse to sit by and allow the U.S. funding of genocide to continue.”
A male protester told CMG that he came because Gazans are being purposely starved while the U.S. government is complicit. He urged for the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow supplies and humanitarian aid to enter, not just through organizations he believes create “death traps,” but directly through Egypt, as has been done before.
International concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to grow, with calls for a ceasefire and immediate relief efforts intensifying worldwide.
