Introduction

Gaza is now in the grip of a famine officially declared by the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). This man-made disaster has become one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent memory. The IPC reports that over 30% of children in Gaza are acutely malnourished, with at least two in every 10,000 children dying daily from starvation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as a "failure of humanity," underscoring the international community’s inability to protect civilians amidst the prolonged Israel–Hamas conflict.

Current Humanitarian Conditions

·       Famine Status: Gaza has entered IPC Phase 5—Catastrophe/Famine, the highest level of food insecurity. Over 641,000 people, or one-third of the population, face life-threatening hunger if the conflict continues. At least 271 individuals, including 112 children, have already died due to hunger and malnutrition.

·       Blockade and Starvation Tactics: Israel stands accused of using starvation as a tool of war, violating international humanitarian law. A full blockade, in effect since March 2025, has halted deliveries of food, medicine, and aid. UNRWA reports that over 6,000 aid trucks remain stalled at Gaza’s borders. Civilians attempting to access aid have reportedly been targeted by Israeli fire, worsening the tragedy.

Historical Background

·       The 2007 Blockade: Israel, with Egypt’s cooperation, imposed a blockade after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. UN agencies have long warned that this blockade created unsustainable living conditions, laying the groundwork for today’s crisis.

·       Pre-existing Vulnerabilities: Gaza already faced over 40% unemployment, limited electricity, and heavy dependence on aid. The famine is not solely a result of the ongoing war, but also decades of structural deprivation.

Legal and Ethical Implications

·       Violations of International Law: The Geneva Conventions explicitly ban the use of starvation as a method of warfare. Under the Rome Statute, intentionally causing starvation is a war crime. Israel’s ongoing blockade and restrictions on humanitarian access raise serious legal concerns under these frameworks.

·       Moral Accountability: Guterres''s remarks point to global moral failure in preventing civilian suffering. The deliberate starvation of children challenges the ethical foundations of international humanitarian norms and the sanctity of human life.

International Politics and Diplomacy

·       Role of Israel’s Allies: Key allies, particularly the United States, continue to offer strong diplomatic and military support to Israel. Reports suggest U.S. resistance to ICC investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes, including imposing sanctions on ICC officials.

·       Global Response: Symbolic gestures like state recognitions (e.g., by Britain) have limited impact on the ground. UNRWA faces significant challenges: denied access, resource shortages, and donor fatigue.

·       Geopolitical Distractions: Global attention is fragmented due to other crises, including the Russia–Ukraine war and US–China tensions. These divisions have paralyzed collective international action, allowing Gaza’s crisis to worsen.

Humanitarian Impact

·       Children at Risk: UNICEF warns that 132,000 children under five are at imminent risk of death from starvation. Malnourished children are highly susceptible to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and cholera.

·       Public Health Collapse: Gaza faces acute shortages of clean water, medicine, and healthcare infrastructure. Malnutrition and untreated illnesses compound each other, deepening the crisis.

·       Psychological Trauma: The compounded effects of war, hunger, and displacement have left lasting psychological harm—especially among children—manifesting in anxiety, PTSD, and trauma.

Erosion of the International Humanitarian Order

·       Breakdown of Global Norms: The world''s inaction erodes trust in international law and institutions like the UN and ICC. If famine becomes an unchecked tool of war, it could set a perilous precedent.

·       Human Rights Violations: Denial of food and aid contravenes both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ICESCR, which guarantee the right to adequate food and healthcare.

·       Responsibility to Protect (R2P): The international community has a legal and moral duty to intervene in cases of war crimes and mass atrocities. Political gridlock, especially within the UN Security Council, has stalled decisive measures, highlighting systemic failures in global governance.

India’s Role and Strategic Outlook

·       Navigating West Asia Diplomacy: India maintains a delicate balance—supporting the Palestinian cause while deepening ties with Israel. Its policy reflects a strategic need to engage both sides: aiding Gaza while not alienating Israel.

·       Leadership in the Global South: As a recent G20 president and UN Security Council member, India is expected to lead on humanitarian issues. While India has provided aid and supported calls for humanitarian pauses, it has refrained from condemning Israel directly.

·       Strategic Implications: India’s decisions are influenced by energy needs, its diaspora in the region, and counter-terrorism cooperation. Balancing domestic interests with global expectations remains a complex diplomatic task.

Path Forward

·       Prioritize Humanitarian Access: Immediate and unimpeded delivery of food, medicine, and water must be ensured. International pressure must mount on Israel to allow aid convoys.

·       Reinforce International Legal Mechanisms: Bodies like the UN and ICC must be empowered to hold all violators accountable—regardless of political alliances.

·       Promote Dialogue and Mediation: Regional and global powers—including the US, EU, Arab states, and India—must push for a ceasefire and long-term political resolution.

·       Address Structural Inequities: A sustainable future requires lifting the blockade, rebuilding infrastructure, and enabling economic self-sufficiency in Gaza.

·       Renew Global Humanitarian Consensus: The crisis reaffirms the urgent need to protect civilians in conflict zones and put humanity above geopolitics.

Conclusion

The famine in Gaza is not a consequence of nature but of war, blockade, and political paralysis. It reflects a collapse of global governance and moral accountability. The international community must act—not only to save lives today but to uphold the principles of humanitarian law and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. A durable political solution in West Asia, rooted in justice and dignity, is long overdue.