Reading headlines of the humanitarian situation in Gaza today, it appears that a critical point with food & medical aid shortages have severely impacted the population’s health and well-being. The ongoing conflict, coupled with economic blockades and restrictions on movement, has created a dire environment where access to necessities is limited. As a result, thousands of families unfortunately are grappling with hunger, malnutrition, and health risks associated with prolonged deprivation.
Recent reports indicate that in Gaza alone, 70% of the population relies on humanitarian assistance for survival. The United Nations and various NGOs have been vocal about the pressing need for increased food aid, as well as medical supplies and clean water. Furthermore, the breakdown of local infrastructure due to conflict exacerbates the situation, making it harder for aid to reach those in need even with no blockade.
I also have read reports that indicate the misallocation of resources in which Hamas has been diverting the food and humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population. This misallocation has further intensified this crisis, with essential supplies being seized by the militant group instead of reaching those in desperate need. They are either selling the aid at an inflated cost or supplying their soldiers. This behavior raises serious ethical questions about accountability and the prioritization of power over the welfare of civilians. Fortunately a U.S. corporation and Israel have initiated a plan to address this perceived tragedy.
Similarly, in Yemen, the Houthi movement has faced criticism for its spending priorities amidst a severe famine affecting the population. Reports suggest that instead of allocating resources to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis, the Houthis have invested heavily in drones and ballistic missiles, posing a threat to neighboring countries and international shipping routes. While Yemen faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, characterized by widespread starvation and disease, (which you do not see on the mainstream news outlets) the Houthis continue to focus on military capabilities armed by a primary benefactor, providing them with weapons, training, and military intelligence. Does Iran provide food and medicine as well to any of its proxies? Does Iran rebuild airports or shipping docks? Asking for a friend.
These examples of resource misallocation are not isolated; they highlight a broader trend in regional conflicts. The U.S. is currently being “careful” under this new administration with its foreign aid strategy, particularly when dealing with groups that threaten its allies or strategic interests. In the case of Yemen, the West and their Middle Eastern partners have not extended substantial humanitarian assistance that would directly benefit the Houthis, especially considering their attacks on Israel and shipping. Nor were they before the conflict to my knowledge, which I admit is limited partially to the apparent non-interest of mainstream media.
This raises some important questions: Why should Israel be expected to provide food and aid to those it considers adversaries when the U.S. and its allies, such as the UK, France, Canada, and Spain, have not historically offered similar support to their enemies “during conflicts” (e.g., World War II, Iraq, Afghanistan)? The West did not send aid packages to Nazi Germany, Japan, Al-Qaeda, or the Taliban. (Aside from the unfortunate situation where the Biden administration left $7 billion worth of U.S. weapons to the Taliban during a chaotic withdrawal, a scenario that even a teenager playing a video game could have better managed—but I digress.)
Why aren't governments and mainstream news outlets urgently addressing the famine and disease resulting from the wars in Africa, such as those in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the multiple other armed conflicts across the African continent? Why is there no outcry about the need for one side of these conflicts to send aid to their opponents and the citizens they are fighting against? This lack of attention may be because these conflicts do not align with the strategic interests of Western and Middle Eastern partners, resulting in a diminished focus on these critical humanitarian crises. Maybe because they are not Jewish.
Returning to the situation in Israel, particularly in the context of both Gaza and Yemen, Israel's approach mirrors a strategy seen in other countries' military campaigns, both historically and currently. This strategy prioritizes providing aid that aligns with national security interests rather than committing to unconditional humanitarian assistance.
I believe we can all agree that the aid shortage in Gaza and the famine & disease in Yemen is a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention. And in the case with Gaza it is currently being addressed. The ongoing suffering of civilians underscores the need for an immediate shift in focus among the leaders of Hamas and the Houthis. Rather than prioritizing military objectives or the consolidation of power, these leaders have an opportunity to embrace diplomatic strategies that could benefit their respective populations. Just a side note. When the U.S. is in a foreign conflict with an adversary, their citizens are not back home starving of famine or disease at the expense of the war. And neither are Israelis. Just saying.
It is in this author’s prayer that there may arise leaders led by a God of Peace, godly leaders who will arise within Palestinian & Yemenis who will engage in constructive dialogue, seeking permanent ceasefires, and prioritizing humanitarian needs over their personal agendas, which could create an environment where aid can flow freely to those in need. This shift in true leadership not only addresses hunger, starvation and other humanitarian challenges but also lays the groundwork for potential long-term peace and stability in the region.
Something to consider. In contrast to the examples currently set by Hamas and the Houthis, the new “Transitional” Syrian government has made strides towards working collaboratively with the United States and their Middle Eastern partners to try to restore stability and order within its borders. This cooperative approach highlights the “potential” for a shift away from conflict toward a focus on rebuilding and humanitarian assistance. Collaborating with a formal enemy of the west that had a bounty on his head is obviously not out of the scope of an “Art of the Deal” mentality the current U.S. administration & M.E. partners are willing to make. And the enemies of Israel should take note of this potential pathway.
Although it is currently too early to surmise the longevity of this decision’s outcome, the Syrian government’s engagement with the U.S. and their M.E. partners reflects a recognition that political and military resolutions can pave the way for reconstruction and improved living conditions for one’s people. By fostering diplomatic ties and prioritizing the restoration of order, Syria is seemingly setting an example of how governments can choose collaboration over confrontation, potentially leading to a more stable region.
In conclusion I believe both Hamas and the Houthis have the chance to redefine their futures through diplomatic efforts, shifting their communities away from conflict and toward a future where the well-being of their people is prioritized over expensive and deadly military pursuits. By embracing diplomatic engagement, they could unlock opportunities for international support and cooperation, ensuring that vital aid reaches the vulnerable populations they claim to represent. The time is now for these leaders to seek and negotiate strategies that emphasize building a sustainable future for their communities. Like their Syrian neighbors. They could take advantage of this “Art of the Deal” mentality-moment in time. Failing to take it would reveal that their true priorities do not align with their people's needs but rather with their own agendas, indicating that they control their communities rather than genuinely represent them. If one were to ask a Palestinian or Yemeni family today whether they would prefer food on the table or another rocket launched toward Israel, what do you think their answer would be?
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the perspectives of any organization or entities mentioned.