 "'Starvation as a weapon of war': UNSC condemns 'man-made famine in Gaza', US differs")
All members of the United Nations Security Council, except the US, have agreed that the famine in Gaza was a “manmade crisis” and warned that the use of starvation as a weapon of war is banned under international law.
Trishala Persaud, Guyana’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, said, “We express our profound alarm and distress at the IPC data on Gaza, published last Friday. This is the first time famine has been officially confirmed in the Middle East region. Every day, more persons are dying as a result of malnutrition. Many of them children.”
In a joint statement, the 14 council members called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire; the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups; a significant increase in humanitarian aid across Gaza; and for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid delivery without delay or conditions.
US questions famine in Gaza
Last week, the UN declared in famine a famine in Gaza, with experts saying that 500,000 people are being affected by it.
The report has raised eyebrows in Israel and the US. US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea questioned the integrity and credibility of the UN report, saying it “doesn’t pass the test on either.”
“We all recognise that hunger is a real issue in Gaza and that there are significant humanitarian needs which must be met. Addressing those needs is a priority for the United States,” she said.
Trump holds key meeting
President Donald Trump on Wednesday convened a high-level policy meeting to discuss the ongoing Gaza war, joined by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, according to a Reuters report, citing a senior US official.
The meeting, described by the official as “simply a policy session,” focused on key aspects of the Gaza conflict, including humanitarian aid deliveries, the hostage situation, and post-war reconstruction plans.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump was joined by top White House officials as well as Blair and Kushner, both of whom have long-standing experience with Middle East affairs.
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