Israel Denies Responsibility for Gaza Food Crisis, Blames Hamas

The Israeli government on Wednesday denied responsibility for the worsening food crisis in Gaza, instead accusing the militant group Hamas of orchestrating the humanitarian emergency, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The statement came in response to a warning issued by 115 aid organisations, which said that “mass starvation” is spreading across the Gaza Strip. The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the full reopening of land crossings, and unrestricted aid delivery through United Nations-led mechanisms. “There is no famine in Gaza caused by Israel,” sai

The Israeli government on Wednesday denied responsibility for the worsening food crisis in Gaza, instead accusing the militant group Hamas of orchestrating the humanitarian emergency, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The statement came in response to a warning issued by 115 aid organisations, which said that “mass starvation” is spreading across the Gaza Strip. The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the full reopening of land crossings, and unrestricted aid delivery through United Nations-led mechanisms. “There is no famine in Gaza caused by Israel,” said Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer during a press briefing. “There is a man-made shortage engineered by Hamas.” Mencer further alleged that Hamas fighters have been obstructing the distribution of humanitarian aid and looting supplies for their own use. However, France’s foreign ministry took a different stance. In a statement released Wednesday, the ministry said the humanitarian disaster in Gaza including widespread malnutrition and the growing risk of famine is “the result of the blockade imposed by Israel.” It also noted that Israel’s intensified military operations in recent days are “accelerating the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.” The exchange of accusations highlights growing international alarm over the deepening crisis in Gaza, where conditions for civilians continue to worsen amid ongoing conflict.