This article by Jeremy Bowen, the BBC’s International Editor, provides a detailed and disturbing account of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The piece highlights the following key points:
1. **Critical risk of famine**: A UN-backed assessment has found that the entire population of Gaza is at critical risk of famine due to the Israeli blockade.
2. **Israeli response**: Israel’s military response was massive and disproportionate, leading almost to the annihilation of an entire population in their homeland.
3. **Humanitarian situation**: The article describes a dire humanitarian situation, with children facing starvation under the Israeli blockade. Parents are desperate as they struggle to provide for their families’ basic needs.
4. **Accusations against Unrwa**: Israel has accused the UN agency Unrwa of being infiltrated by Hamas and exploiting it to an unprecedented level. However, Mr Lazzarini rejects these accusations, stating that Unrwa has investigated the claims and suspended nine staff members while awaiting substantiated data.
5. **International reaction**: The article mentions a growing chorus of outraged states, including some key European allies of Israel, who claim that Israel’s actions do not justify continuing the devastating assault against Palestinians since 1948.
6. **ICC warrants**: The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister on charges of war crimes, which they deny.
