Who Is To Blame Gaza Is Hungry - Israel or Hamas?

The United Nations have recently announced that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a catastrophic level, with widespread starvation and malnutrition affecting the entire population of over 2 million people. The crisis is a result of a combination of factors related to the ongoing conflict that broke out with the Oct 7, 2023 unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and continued into an unrelenting Israeli offensive on Gaza. These two actors are almost exclusively blamed for the current apparent starvation in the devastated territory.

According to the critics of Israel, its comprehensive blockade of Gaza, and its control over the entry of goods and humanitarian aid, is the primary cause of the crisis. Many international aid organizations and UN bodies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), have stated that Israel's restrictions and bureaucratic obstacles are severely limiting the amount of aid that can enter and be distributed in Gaza. Secondly, reports from the UN and other sources indicate that the conflict has led to the widespread destruction of Gaza's agricultural sector and essential infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, which further exacerbates the food crisis. Thirdly, there have been numerous reports of Israeli forces firing on Palestinians seeking aid at distribution points. UN experts and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have stated that a new, militarized aid delivery system supported by the US and Israel has been ineffective and has led to the deaths of hundreds of people.

Supporters of Israel, including many US officials, have repeatedly accused Hamas of systematically stealing humanitarian aid and reselling it on the black market to fund its operations and pay its fighters. They argue that the presence of aid does not guarantee it will reach the general population. The Israeli government has stated that Hamas uses humanitarian aid as a tool to maintain power and control. They have also argued that Hamas's demands in ceasefire negotiations, such as the dismantling of alternative aid distribution mechanisms, show its intent to control the aid flow for its own benefit. Many contend that Hamas's military activities and its use of civilian infrastructure have created a chaotic environment that makes aid distribution difficult and dangerous.

So what do you think? Is Israel (mostly) to blame? Or is Hamas (mostly) responsible? Why do you think that? Come share your opinion and reasoning with other passionate, but respectful, debaters. Or just sit back and listen up – your choice.

We will have a designated speaker for each side of the argument who will give the opening and closing statements, and a floor discussion in between. Zoom credentials will be provided on the day of the debate.