Global crisis in Gaza underscores ethical decay worldwide

The United Nations-backed agency has officially declared a famine in Gaza, marking a dire situation that threatens the lives of over 130,000 children up to June next year. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's declaration comes as an "unacceptable escalation" in famine-related deaths, especially between now and the end of September, unless there is an "immediate" response.

This humanitarian crisis, described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as a "man-made disaster" and a "moral indictment", has been met with widespread condemnation. Israel's actions in Gaza have been criticized for being genocidal, and the Israeli government's actions have been condemned by 26 countries and the EU.

The UN Secretary-General's statement comes after Israel announced plans for 3,400 new settler homes in the West Bank, a move that was immediately condemned by the international community. The Israeli government's actions have led to the death of at least 60,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, due to retaliatory Israeli actions.

Over 100 aid groups have stated that Israel is deliberately withholding food from the people of Gaza. This assertion is supported by the fact that more than 100 journalists from media organizations have been killed in Israeli strikes, including those from AP and Reuters. The silence surrounding the graduation of over 1000 orphaned children in Gaza is a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.

The crisis in Gaza is not just a matter of numbers, but also of trust. Rebuilding Gaza requires more than just money; it requires a commitment to upholding human rights and international law. One news anchor of a well-known media house resigned over its Gaza coverage, and over 100 of its staff have criticized the organization for giving more favorable coverage to Israel.

The international community has not been silent in its efforts to alleviate the crisis. Since August 2022, various organizations and actors have tried to alleviate hunger in Gaza through direct aid or diplomatic efforts. Over 100 international NGOs issued a joint statement in August 2025 demanding an end to Israel's instrumentalization of aid and warning about starvation worsening due to blockade policies. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.

Despite these efforts, the crisis persists. As of now, 313 people have died from hunger in Gaza, including 119 children. The use of starvation as a weapon of war is banned under international humanitarian law, yet the United States was the only member of the UN Security Council that did not sign a joint statement last week warning against this practice.

Pope Leo XIV has demanded that Israel stop its "collective punishment" of the people of Gaza. The "Gallant Knight 3" initiative is sustaining Gaza bakeries, but it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this crisis. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a failure of the world and a failure of our conscience. It is a crisis that demands our immediate attention and action.