The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
A Devastating Famine Grips Gaza
Gaza is enduring an unparalleled famine crisis that has pushed its population to the brink of survival. Children have been reduced to skeletal figures, and mothers are helplessly witnessing their loved ones perish. Hospitals report dozens of deaths daily due to malnutrition. The most tragic element of this crisis is the closure of the Rafah border crossing by Egypt, the only viable lifeline for delivering critical aid to Gaza.
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Crisis
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, since March 2, 2025, thousands of individuals suffering from malnutrition have been admitted to Gaza’s hospitals, with the majority being children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. To date, 620 Palestinian civilians have lost their lives due to starvation.
UNICEF reports that 112 children are admitted daily in critical condition due to severe malnutrition and weakness. Approximately 650,000 children and 60,000 pregnant women urgently require food and medical assistance (UNICEF, July 2025).
Rafah Border: A Blocked Lifeline
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has confirmed that sufficient food supplies for Gaza’s entire population for three months are stored in Al-Arish, Egypt. However, Egypt’s persistent closure of the Rafah border prevents these vital resources from reaching those in need (UNRWA statement, July 19, 2025). UNRWA emphasizes that opening the Rafah crossing could alleviate this crisis for at least three months.
Israel’s Blockade and Regional Contradictions
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has enforced a complete blockade on Gaza, sealing off all land, air, and sea routes. Palestinians are denied access to fishing, food, medicine, and fuel. Meanwhile, Israel continues to receive fresh vegetables and fruits daily through land routes via Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, despite regional blockades (Al Jazeera, July 2025).
Egypt’s Role Under Scrutiny
The Rafah crossing, once a beacon of hope under President Mohamed Morsi, who vowed in 2012, “We will not leave Gaza alone,” has become a point of contention. Today, under Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s leadership, Egypt is seen as complicit in Israel’s blockade, supported by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. The Egyptian military establishment, which overthrew the elected President Morsi, is now accused of stifling the lifeline for Gaza’s vulnerable population.
Renowned Arab journalist Jaber Al-Harami stated, “Even in the era of ignorance, the disbelievers of Quraish would not have accepted such a siege, for they had some sense of honor left.” Palestinian activist Youssef Abu Zureik has described the situation as “slow poisoning and collective genocide.”
A Cry for Action
Social media platforms are flooded with hashtags like #GazaDiesOfHunger and #OpenRafahCrossing, reflecting the desperation of Arab masses and the indifference of their leaders. Egypt’s population of over 100 million, predominantly devout, mourns Gaza’s suffering. Egyptian journalist Shireen Arafa urged her compatriots: “After Isha prayers, leave the mosques and start a campaign to open the Rafah border. Your brothers are dying of hunger. Your worship will be thrown back in your faces.”
Political analyst Essam Abdelshafi emphasized, “The liberation of Palestine, the dignity of Syria, and the honor of Libya and Sudan are tied to Egypt’s salvation. When Cairo is free, Jerusalem is not alone.”
A Call to Accountability
The people of Gaza remain steadfast, choosing dignity over surrender. Yet, as the crisis deepens, history will demand answers: “When Gaza was dying, where were you?” The silence of inaction will leave a legacy of shame. The question remains: Will the world act before it’s too late?
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