Weaponization of hunger: Food insecurity and humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the Israel–Hamas war

Abstract

This study examines the role of food deprivation and shortage in Gaza conflict which can be observed as a direct or indirect weaponization of hunger including various tactics like border closure, siege, or limitations on civilian aid. This report explores the humanitarian impact of food insecurity particularly for vulnerable groups like children, women and older persons who are suffering from malnutrition and health related risk. To achieve these objectives, the study has adopted the qualitative approach including policy papers, academy papers, institution reports and credible international publications. This report has analyzes the role and response of international humanitarian aid and their challenges in delivering aid assistance to civilians in Gaza. Existing literature indicates that damage to local food production system and restrictions on aid have significantly weakened the food insecurity which increases the dependency on external aid for civilians leading the population towards vulnerability. The findings suggest a critical case about food insecurity that it is not only an impact of armed conflict but also functioning as a strategic tool that intensifies civilian suffering in Gaza. The paper calls out for urgent recommendations regarding civilian protection, and implementation of legal frameworks to limitize further deterioration of humanitarian situation in Gaza. The report concludes by urgent need for international attention and sustained actions to address the food insecurity and reducing the risk of human catastrophe in Gaza.