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United Nations

Israel's Embassy in Australia Denies Starvation in Gaza as World Leaders Call for Increased Aid

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Israeli embassy in Australia has rejected claims of widespread starvation in Gaza, contrary to reports from the UN, global aid organizations, and world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Deputy Ambassador Amir Meron stated that the embassy does not recognize any famine or starvation in the Gaza Strip, attributing the situation to Hamas propaganda and the theft of food supplies by Hamas militants. However, these claims are starkly at odds with the UN's reported 74 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this year, including 63 in July, and the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of a "deadly surge in malnutrition-related deaths."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli embassy in Australia insists there is no starvation in Gaza, despite reports from the UN and global aid organizations indicating a deadly surge in malnutrition-related deaths.
  • Deputy Ambassador Amir Meron attributes the lack of aid to Hamas propaganda and the theft of food supplies by Hamas militants.
  • The UN has reported 74 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this year, including 63 in July, with 24 children under five dying from malnutrition.
  • World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the organization is witnessing a deadly surge in malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied any policy of starvation in Gaza, stating that "there is enough aid in Gaza, and we are acting in different ways in order to bring more aid in Gaza."
  • The Australian government joined 27 nations in condemning the "drip-feeding of aid" by Israel last week.
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children seeking access to water and food, cannot be defended nor ignored.

Statistics:

  • 74 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this year (WHO)
  • 63 malnutrition-related deaths in July (WHO)
  • 24 children under five dying from malnutrition (WHO)
  • 1200 deaths in the October 7 attacks on Israel (Source: Conflict)
  • 21 cases of children under the age of five dying from malnutrition (Source: WHO)
  • More than 100 international aid organizations issued a joint statement saying "mass starvation" was spreading across Gaza (Source: Joint Statement)
  • More than 1000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to get food aid over the past two months (UN human rights office)

Sources:

  • Deputy Israeli Ambassador Amir Meron in a briefing on Monday (No date)
  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (No date)
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (No date)
  • World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (No date)
  • United Nations (UN) human rights office (No date)
  • Joint Statement by more than 100 international aid organizations (No date)

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