Hunger Pains

“By wresting control of aid distribution from the world organization, Israel hoped to cut Hamas off from one of its last remaining sources of power. But the policy has failed on its own terms. Hamas is no closer to surrendering or releasing hostages than before Israel embarked on its campaign of deprivation. A movement animated by theological fervor—and strengthened by the spectacle of civilian suffering—cannot be starved into submission. And now that the toll of hunger is becoming so clear, Israel has an obligation to reverse course as quickly as possible.” Franklin Foer in The Atlantic (Gift Article): Israel’s Last Chance.

+ It’s worth noting that Hamas Wants Gaza to Starve. “Hamas actually wants a famine in Gaza. Producing mass death from hunger is the group’s final play, its last hope for ending the war in a way that advances its goals. Hamas has benefited from Israel’s decision to use food as a lever against the terror group, because the catastrophic conditions for civilians have generated an international outcry, which is worsening Israel’s global standing and forcing it to reverse course.”

+ “It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel. End the war, return the hostages, stop the suffering.” Hundreds of Israeli ex-officials appeal to Trump to help end Gaza war.

+ Videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza increase pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire.