Jerusalem: The heads of five leading Israeli universities have made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to take immediate action to end the ongoing starvation crisis in Gaza. The university leaders expressed serious concerns over the catastrophic impact on civilians, including infants, due to the severe shortage of food and essential supplies.
According to Anadolu Agency, the appeal was made through a letter reported by the daily Israel Hayom, signed by prominent figures including Weizmann Institute President Alon Chen, Hebrew University President Asher Cohen, Technion President Uri Sivan, Tel Aviv University President Ariel Porat, and Open University President Leo Corry. The letter conveyed the signatories' shock and dismay over the humanitarian toll in the Palestinian enclave, highlighting the dire scenes of infants succumbing to hunger and disease.
The university presidents urged Netanyahu to address the severe hunger crisis, emphasizing the heavy toll it has taken on civilians, especially children and infants, who are uninvolved in the ongoing conflict. They also expressed alarm over inflammatory statements made by Israeli ministers and Knesset members advocating for Gaza's destruction.
Drawing on historical parallels, the letter reminded Israeli leaders of their moral responsibility, referencing the horrors of the Holocaust and the necessity to prevent cruel and indiscriminate harm to innocents. The university heads criticized suggestions made by Israeli officials regarding extreme measures such as the use of nuclear weapons, the complete denial of food, and the expulsion of Palestinians. They demanded that the government condemn these dangerous remarks, which they argue constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.
The letter further warned against Israeli plans to establish a 'humanitarian city' in Rafah, likening such a move to World War II concentration camps, which would cause irreparable damage to Israel's moral standing. International observers have echoed these concerns, warning that the proposed camp would confine Palestinians and deprive them of food to force mass migration.
On the same day, UN relief chief Tom Fletcher highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that one in every three Palestinians in Gaza had not eaten for days, and called for the immediate delivery of aid. The Gaza government media office reported that over 40,000 infants under the age of one are facing a slow death due to the blockade preventing baby formula from entering for more than 150 days, urging the unconditional opening of border crossings.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, since October 2023, 147 Palestinians, including 88 children, have died from starvation and malnutrition. The Israeli army announced limited airdrops and a 'tactical pause' in certain areas of Gaza to allow aid deliveries, but aid agencies have criticized the move as insufficient, accusing Israel of continuing to weaponize hunger by blocking overland aid since early March.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has maintained its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children. The relentless attacks have devastated the enclave and exacerbated food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.