theguardian.com
Israel Accused of Genocide Through Deliberate Starvation in Gaza
UN expert Michael Fakhri accuses Israel of orchestrating a campaign of deliberate mass starvation in Gaza, resulting in widespread famine, over 20,000 hospitalized malnourished children, and over 1300 deaths attempting to access aid, despite international condemnation and court accusations.
- How has Israel's long-term control over food production and supply contributed to the current famine?
- The starvation in Gaza is a consequence of Israel's long-term policies, including the destruction of local food production and the blockade of aid, which violate international law. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), despite claims to the contrary, has exacerbated the situation by reducing aid distribution points and resulting in the deaths of over 1300 Palestinians trying to access food.
- What are the immediate consequences of Israel's blockade and policies on food security and public health in Gaza?
- Israel has implemented a policy of starvation in Gaza, resulting in widespread famine and over 20,000 acutely malnourished children hospitalized between April and July 2025. This has led to a sharp increase in hunger-related deaths and the UN declaring a famine in July 2024.
- What are the systemic failures that have allowed the starvation in Gaza to continue despite international awareness and condemnation?
- The ongoing crisis in Gaza highlights the failure of international bodies to effectively address Israel's actions. The US vetoes in the UN Security Council, coupled with inaction from governments and corporations despite widespread condemnation, demonstrate a systemic failure to uphold international law and prevent genocide. The GHF exemplifies a concerning trend of weaponizing humanitarian aid.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing strongly suggests Israel's culpability for the famine in Gaza. The headline, if included, would likely emphasize the starvation crisis and Israel's alleged role. The opening paragraphs immediately introduce the UN expert's accusations and the assertion of a deliberate starvation campaign, setting a strongly negative tone. The sequencing of information, starting with the most severe accusations and then providing supporting evidence, reinforces this negative framing. The use of strong language like "starvation machine," "genocide," and "war crime" throughout further reinforces this biased narrative. While the article presents some factual information, its structure and emphasis overwhelmingly support one side of the story.
Language Bias
The article uses highly charged language throughout, particularly in quoting UN expert Michael Fakhri. Words and phrases such as "starvation machine," "genocide," "crime against humanity," "war crime," and "deliberately weakened" carry strong negative connotations and present Israel's actions in an extremely unfavorable light. While these quotes are accurate reflections of Fakhri's statements, the article's repeated use of such strong language contributes to its overall biased tone. More neutral alternatives could include describing the situation as a "severe food shortage," "humanitarian crisis," or focusing on the specific actions and their consequences rather than using emotionally charged terms.
Bias by Omission
The article heavily focuses on the accusations of intentional starvation by Israel, providing extensive quotes and details from UN experts and reports. However, it omits significant counterarguments or alternative perspectives from the Israeli government beyond brief denials. The lack of detailed Israeli responses to specific allegations, such as the accusations of weaponizing aid through the GHF, creates an imbalance in the presentation of the issue. While acknowledging space constraints is important, the absence of robust counter-narratives weakens the article's objectivity and prevents readers from forming a fully informed opinion. The article also omits discussion of the underlying geopolitical context and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may influence reader understanding.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a stark dichotomy between Israel's alleged deliberate starvation policy and its denials, often framing the situation as a simple choice between believing the UN experts or the Israeli government. This oversimplifies a deeply complex issue with numerous contributing factors. The nuances of logistical challenges, security concerns, and the ongoing conflict are largely sidelined in favor of a clear-cut portrayal of intentional malice. This binary framing risks misrepresenting the situation and preventing a more nuanced understanding of the causes of the humanitarian crisis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details a deliberate campaign by Israel to starve the population of Gaza, resulting in widespread famine, malnutrition, and death. Over 20,000 children were hospitalized for acute malnutrition, and the UN declared a famine after starvation deaths were reported. This directly contradicts SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition.